Derived from the Dutch word "koagulation," vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin, occurs naturally in foods as vitamin K1, often referred to as the anti-hemorrhage, or blood-clotting vitamin. Vitamin K is also produced by intestinal bacteria as vitamin K2, and a synthetic version, known as vitamin K3, is available. The sole function of vitamin K is to control blood clotting.
Benefits
The vitamin K in your system makes the bleeding stop when you cut yourself shaving, skin a knee, or cut a finger. This vitamin is necessary for the formation of four of the 13 components that allow blood to clot, one of which is prothrombin. According to Children's Hospital Hauschka Laboratory, this vitamin is also important in bone mineralization, as it converts the protein osteocalcin, from inactive to active form. Osteocalcin combines with calcium to hold this mineral within the bones.
Best Food Sources
Found predominately in green vegetables, such as Kale, collards, spinach, broccoli and cabbage, vitamin K is also found in cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, string beans, potatoes, and several varieties of beans. Other sources include soybean oils, strawberries and whole milk. However, vitamin K is often lost through commercial processing of foods, particularly through deep-freezing, so buy fresh vegetables whenever possible. Vitamin K survives most cooking methods, but it may be lost when cooking foods over extended periods.
Deficiency
A vitamin K deficiency can occur in adults due to malabsorption of fats, lack of bile salts, Celiac disease, continued use of antibiotics and liver disease. Symptoms of a deficiency can be bleeding in the stomach and intestinal tract. According to MedLinePlus, a vitamin K deficiency is rare, as is vitamin K toxicity. However, individuals taking anticoagulant medications should not take vitamin K without the advice of a physician.
Supplements
Most American diets include sufficient amounts of vitamin K, including what the body naturally produces on its own, so supplements usually are not needed. However, there are water-soluble forms of this vitamin commercially available for individuals with malabsorption and digestive problems. While most multi-vitamin and mineral supplements do not contain vitamin K, your physician may be able to direct you to a supplement that is right for you.
Member Comments