Vitamin K is found in dark green leafy vegetables. It is necessary for the function of a small number of vitamin K-dependent proteins in your body, which is its only known function. These proteins perform several important roles, including helping coagulation, or blood clotting. Vitamin K was named from the German word for "coagulation."
Blood Coagulation
Vitamin K is necessary for the process of forming blood clots. Seven different clotting factors in your body require vitamin K before they can bind calcium ions, which then activates them. Due to this role of vitamin K, it is sometimes used to reverse blood thinning caused by medications or given to babies who have clotting problems.
Bone Health
Vitamin K also plays a role in bone development and helps maintain good bone health. Similarly to its role in coagulation, vitamin K assists in the activation and function of three different proteins that help build bone density and assist in normal bone growth and development, as well as prevent the mineralization of soft tissues in your body. It is sometimes used to treat osteoporosis.
Deficiency
Vitamin K deficiency is uncommon in adults, in part because the adult body is able to both store the vitamin and recycle a small amount. However, you may be at greater risk of vitamin K deficiency if you take anticoagulant medications or have significant liver damage. Infants that are breastfed are at higher risk of vitamin K deficiency because breast milk is low in it. Symptoms of deficiency include easy bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums or blood in the urine. Check with your doctor if you are concerned that you may be deficient in vitamin K.
Warnings
Vitamin K should not be taken with anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin because it may reduce their effectiveness. Vitamin K should also not be taken with other medication or supplements that promote blood clotting, such as coenzyme Q-10. Too much vitamin K can be harmful in people with kidney or liver disease by worsening clotting problems. Vitamin A and vitamin E may decrease the ability of vitamin K to promote blood clotting.
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