When it comes to important vitamins for your health, it seems like vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E tend to get all the attention. The fact is, vitamin K is just as important as any other nutrient -- maybe even more important than some.
Definition
Vitamin K received its name from the German word "koagulation," German for "coagulation," a process for which vitamin K is critical. It is a fat soluble, not water soluble vitamin. There are actually several slightly different versions of vitamin K, known as K1, K2, and K3.
Sources
Vitamin K is considered a "nonessential" vitamin -- not because your body does not need it, but because it can be created by the bacteria in your intestine, rather than purely ingested from your diet. However, it is also located in many different types of vegetables, especially dark green, leafy vegetables like kale and spinach, as well as in cabbage, cauliflower, soybeans, various whole grains and so on.
Purpose
By far the most important function of vitamin K is in helping your body to form blood clots. You might assume that blood clots are always harmful, since they tend to be associated with strokes and heart attacks. In many cases, however, your body needs to be able to form blood clots in order to stop bleeding -- otherwise, even a minor cut or scratch could become life threatening.
Deficiency
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, it is quite rare for a person to be deficient in vitamin K. Deficiencies can sometimes occur in individuals that suffer from a disorder that prevents your body from processing vitamin K from your intestines. Eating a significantly unhealthy diet can also contribute; some long-term antibiotic regimens can also contribute to vitamin K deficiency. Bleeding and bruises are more common in individuals who are vitamin K deficient.
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