Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that it is stored in your body's fat cells. For this reason, deficiencies of this vitamin are rare. However, certain factors such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, liver damage and use of prescription blood thinners can cause deficiencies, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This vitamin is best known for its role in the production of blood platelets.
Sources
Vitamin K is produced by bacteria that live in your intestines, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, it is also available from food sources. These include spinach, kale, asparagus, strawberries, cabbage, broccoli and kale. Alfalfa, eggs, soybeans, wheat and rye flour also supply significant amounts of vitamin K, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing."
Blood Coagulation
Vitamin K is essential for the production of prothrombin, a substance that aids in the production of platelets that clot blood and prevent excess bleeding from wounds, according to Balch. A deficiency of this vitamin may worsen ulcers and liver bleeding, and may cause prolonged bleeding from your gums. It may also increase your risk of brain hemorrhage, or bleeding in the blood vessels in your brain.
Recommended Daily Allowance
Unless a deficiency-causing condition is present, daily requirements of vitamin K are relatively small for both children and adults. Requirements for children range from 2 mcg per day for infants to 75 mcg per day for adolescents, according to the University of Maryland. The adult recommended daily allowance is 120 mcg for men and 90 mcg for women. However, if you have a malabsorption disorder or other chronic condition that causes vitamin deficiency, you may require doses as high as 5 mg per day.
Risks
At recommended daily doses, vitamin K is considered safe for children and adults. However, if you take warfarin, a blood-thinning medication, vitamin K may reduce the effectiveness of this drug. Vitamin K may also interfere with the activity of prescription antibiotics, according to Balch.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin K
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
Member Comments