Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for making bone proteins and supporting normal blood clotting that prevents excessive bleeding. While most of your daily requirements of vitamin K can be consumed from whole foods such as leafy greens, you can also receive an additional source of vitamin K from vitamin supplements.
Recommended Daily Intake
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, males, females, children and adolescents have specific recommended daily intake amounts of dietary vitamin K to support healthy body functions. Males over 19 require 120 mcg per day, while females over 19 require only 90 mcg. Newborn babies are typically injected with a vitamin K shot after birth, and then require 2 to 2.5 mcg from six to 12 months of age. The daily requirements for children range from 55 to 75 mcg per day.
Dosage
As an adult, to meet the daily intake requirements of vitamin K, you need more than the amount of vitamin K found in most vitamin supplements. Even supplements with higher amounts of vitamin K typically only contain about 80 mcg. This amount falls short of the recommended daily amounts for adults.
Considerations
Certain medical conditions or diseases, however, may benefit from the additional amounts of vitamin K from vitamin supplements. For example, if you have a vitamin K deficiency related to absorption problems, you may benefit from taking a vitamin K supplement. However, if you are taking anticoagulant medications, avoid supplements or foods containing significant amounts of vitamin K. Always consult your health care provider before taking a vitamin supplements or making changes to your diet.
Foods
Most diet plans consist of a variety of foods that supply adequate amounts of vitamin K. Vegetables -- including green vegetables such as kale, spinach, broccoli and cabbage -- are a primary source of vitamin K. Other foods with significant amounts of vitamin K include soybean oil, strawberries, meats, cheeses, eggs and whole milk.
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