MHRA issues festive food-medicine interaction warning

Credit: Getty Images/EHStock

By Claudia Tanner

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has issued seasonal guidance warning that festive foods changes may affect drug efficacy and increase adverse event risk.

The regulatory agency has urged doctors to remind patients that festive foods, including Christmas vegetables, confectionery, and aged cheeses, can be problematic for certain medicines.

Warfarin interactions highlighted

The agency has particularly emphasised interactions with warfarin, noting that cranberry products (juices and sauces) may increase the likelihood of bruising or bleeding in people taking warfarin.

Additionally, leafy greens and brassica vegetables including Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage – staples of traditional Christmas dinners – are rich in vitamin K and can reduce warfarin effectiveness when consumed in large or inconsistent quantities.

Rather than advising complete avoidance, the MHRA recommends patients on warfarin maintain consistent vitamin K intake throughout the festive period.

Healthcare professionals should counsel patients that some dietary supplements may also contain vitamin K.