Vitamin K Remedies

Vitamin K is stored in your body's fat cells, as well as in your liver. It is widely available in multivitamin supplements. It is available as a standalone supplement in health food stores and through online retailers, as well as by prescription. Several foods, including avocados, spinach, asparagus, beef liver, broccoli, cabbage and kale, are also rich sources of vitamin K. This vitamin may help prevent or correct several conditions.

Osteoporosis

Vitamin K aids in the absorption and use of calcium, a mineral that helps maintain bone strength and density. It may help prevent osteoporosis, a condition characterized by gradual loss of bone density, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This may help reduce your risk of bone fractures. Vitamin K's role in bone health may be particularly important for women after menopause, as well as for athletes.

Clotting Disorders

Blood clotting is necessary to prevent excessive bleeding from peptic ulcers, hemorrhoids and skin wounds. Poor vitamin absorption, liver disease and frequent use of antibiotics may interfere with blood clotting, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. Vitamin K aids in the production of prothrombin, a substance necessary for producing blood platelets, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." This improves your blood's ability to clot.

Atherosclerosis

Calcium buildup in your arteries can lead to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. This can restrict blood flow and increase your risk of heart disease. Vitamin K may help reverse calcification of arterial tissue, according to an article in the February 2008 "Current Opinion in Lipidology." However, only tests on animals have produced consistent evidence of the effect of vitamin K on atherosclerosis. Studies on humans have produced mixed results.

Considerations

Vitamin K has side effects, especially at doses higher than the recommended daily intake of 120 micrograms for male adults and 90 mcg for female adults, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, check with your doctor before taking vitamin K if you take anti-clotting medications. Also, anti-convulsants and cholesterol-lowering medications may reduce your body's ability to absorb vitamin K.