If your doctor has directed you to take vitamin K supplements, why might it be a bad idea to also take vitamin E supplements?

• A. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that could inhibit vitamin K by donating an electron to it.
• B. Vitamin E is an anticoagulant, so it could inhibit the blood coagulation function of vitamin K.
• C. Vitamin K is an anticoagulant, so it could inhibit the blood coagulation function of vitamin E.
• D. None of the above.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the roles of vitamin K and vitamin E in the body. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and helps in the synthesis of clotting factors, while vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage.
2. Recognize that vitamin E has anticoagulant properties, meaning it can reduce the ability of blood to clot. This is important because it could interfere with the blood coagulation function of vitamin K.
3. Consider the interaction between these two vitamins. If vitamin E is taken in high doses, it may inhibit the action of vitamin K, potentially leading to an increased risk of bleeding due to reduced clotting ability.
4. Evaluate the implications of taking both supplements together. If a doctor has prescribed vitamin K to support blood clotting, taking vitamin E supplements simultaneously might counteract the intended effect of vitamin K.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is: 'Vitamin E is an anticoagulant, so it could inhibit the blood coagulation function of vitamin K.' This highlights the potential negative interaction between these two vitamins.