Mothers often try to sneak a little more broccoli onto their kids' plates for good reason. Broccoli is full of healthy nutrients and vitamins, including vitamin K. This vitamin plays an important role in making proteins important to blood clotting and bone health. Since broccoli is a rich source of vitamin K, its role in blood clotting is important.
Vitamin K and Blood Clotting
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all newborns receive an injection of vitamin K after birth because vitamin K deficiency, common in infants, puts babies more at risk for unexpected bleeding. Vitamin K plays an important role in producing proteins essential to the the blood clotting process. Deficiency in vitamin K can lead to excess blood loss from injury, increasing the chance for death.
Broccoli and Vitamin K
Vitamin K comes in different forms, but the most common form is called phylloquinone, found abundantly in broccoli. One cup of cooked broccoli provides 220 mcg of vitamin K -- more than the Institute of Medicines recommendation for 120 mcg of daily vitamin K for men and 90 mcg for women. Since foods are the main source of vitamin K, and broccoli is an abundant source of it, this vegetable plays an important role in blood clotting. Other important sources of vitamin K include kale, spinach, collards and turnip greens.
Vitamin K Deficiency
According to the Harvard School of Public Health, data suggests that only one in four Americans meets daily vitamin K recommendations. Diets low in green, leafy vegetables put you at risk for vitamin K deficiency. The U.S. Department of Agriculture states that most adults between 18 and 44 likely lack vitamin K in their diet. Since vitamin K plays a role in blood clotting, as well as bone health, getting enough is important to good health.
Considerations
Because of vitamin K's role in blood clotting, if you take blood thinning medications, such as warfarin, be cautious with your diet. Eating a diet overabundant in green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach can affect a blood thinner's effectiveness. In addition, eating a diet low in vitamin K will adversely affect how the medications work. It's best to eat the same amounts of vitamin K each day and in moderate amounts if you're taking blood thinners.
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Policy Statement: Controversies Concerning Vitamin K and the Newborn; July 2003
- Harvard School of Public Health: Vitamin K
- USDA National Nutrient Database: Vitamin K
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Vitamin K: Another Reason to Eat Your Greens; August 2004
- University of Florida: Facts About Vitamin K; R.E. Turner, W.E. Dahl
