Vitamin K got its name form the German word "koagulation," which is translated to "coagulation" in English and refers to the process of blood clot formation. Coagulation is considered to be the most important role of vitamin K in your body; however, it does play other essential roles. Despite its important functions, a deficiency in vitamin K is considered rare, and you should only supplement with this vitamin under the supervision of a health care practitioner.
Vitamin K Basics
According to Colorado State University, vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, and the majority of this vitamin is produced by bacteria in your large intestine, while the rest comes from your diet. It is commonly found in foods such as leafy greens, alfalfa, cauliflower, tomatoes, strawberries, liver, yogurt and egg yolks.
Vitamin K and Coagulation
Phyllis Balch says in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" that vitamin K is required for the production of prothrombin and other important proteins involved in blood coagulation, and as such it is vital for normal blood clotting. It is therefore needed to prevent hemorrhaging and other bleeding problems. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University says that a deficiency of vitamin K can result in easy bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood in the stool or urine, tarry black stools or very heavy menstrual bleeding. A deficiency in infants may cause life-threatening bleeding within the skull, and infants are commonly injected with vitamin K at birth to prevent this.
Vitamin K and Your Bones
The Linus Pauling Institute says that vitamin K also plays as essential role in the production of the bone protein "osteocalcin." As such, it is essential for proper bone formation and repair, and a deficiency of vitamin K can result in reduced bone density and an increased risk of fractures. In fact, several clinical studies have shown that vitamin K can enhance the integrity of your bones, and Balch says that it may therefore be useful for the prevention of osteoporosis. Elson Haas, M.D, adds in his book "Staying Healthy With Nutrition" that vitamin K is likely also beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers due to its ability to reduce inflammation of the synovial lining of the joints.
Vitamin K and the Gas6 Protein
According to The Linus Pauling Institute, vitamin K is essential to the production of a protein known as "Gas6." Gas6 is found throughout the nervous system, heart, lungs, kidneys, stomach and bone cartilage, and it appears to be required for proper cellular growth and regulation. The Linus Pauling Institute says that more research needs to be done to determine the precise function of Gas6, but it likely plays a central role in the development and aging of the nervous system.
Vitamin K Deficiency
Although vitamin K deficiency is considered rare, Haas says that people with certain genetic or liver disorders, those who take antibiotics frequently or have a reduced ability to produce vitamin K in their intestines, and individuals with colitis, celiac disease and other intestinal malabsorption problems may all become deficient. Haas adds that a vitamin K deficiency also occurs occasionally in the elderly due to a poor diet and reduced intestinal flora. If you suspect that you are vitamin K deficient, Haas recommends increasing your consumption of vitamin K rich foods before considering supplementation.
Member Comments