Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that your large intestine naturally produces; it is also found in lesser amounts in certain foods. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, the primary function of vitamin K is to aid in the formation of several blood-clotting factors in your liver, and a deficiency may result in abnormal or internal bleeding; however, this vitamin is important for a variety of other conditions as well.
Blood Clotting
Vitamin K is vital for proper blood clotting, otherwise referred to as coagulation. Elson Haas says in his book, "Staying Healthy With Nutrition," that vitamin K is occasionally given to patients before or after surgery to prevent hemorrhaging. It is also beneficial to people who have reduced blood-clotting ability due to liver disease, jaundice or malabsorption, and it may save the lives of these people as well as the lives of those who have overdosed on anticoagulant drugs. Individuals who bruise easily or whose blood clots too slowly after an injury may also benefit from vitamin K.
Bone Health
Vitamin K may be essential to bone health. In fact, a study done at the University of York in England found that vitamin K supplements significantly reduced the incidence of bone fractures in the elderly. The proteins that play an important role in bone mineralization, formation and development rely on vitamin K for their production. Vitamin K also helps prevent soft tissue calcification. Phyllis Balch says in her book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," that vitamin K may therefore help prevent osteoporosis and other arthritic conditions.
Hemorrhaging in Newborns
Vitamin K is commonly used as an injection and given to newborns to prevent hemorrhaging and other bleeding problems. Because vitamin K is supplied primarily by intestinal bacteria, it takes a few days for newborns to grow these bacteria.
Other Vitamin K Uses
Vitamin K also helps to convert glucose into glycogen in your liver, which is necessary for healthy liver function. Additionally, insufficient blood clotting is thought to be a possible cause of excessive and/or painful menstruation. Haas says that vitamin K has been found to be helpful to certain women due to its ability to maintain healthy blood clotting.
Possible Deficiency Effects
The most common problems that may result from vitamin K deficiency involve bleeding issues such as nosebleeds and internal hemorrhaging. The most worrisome deficiency effects include the possibility for hemorrhaging in the brain or internal organs and miscarriage due to excessive blood loss. Luckily, deficiencies of vitamin K are rare, and these effects are considered very uncommon.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing;" Phyllis Balch; 2003
- "Staying Healthy With Nutrition"; Elson Haas, M.D.; 2003
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Vitamin K
- HealthCastle: Vitamin K and Bone Health
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