Vitamin K has an important job; it helps your blood to clot when you sustain a cut or injury. This is very important, as it helps prevent excessive blood loss. Even though vitamin K has an essential function, it cannot do its work alone. It needs the help of vitamin E.
Function
Without vitamin K, your blood would not be able to coagulate, or clot. Vitamin K also promotes bone health. It is responsible for activating at least three different proteins required for bone health. Vitamin K also helps regulate your body's calcium levels; calcium helps promote strong bones and teeth.
Vitamin E
Vitamin K requires the presence of vitamin E to enable your body to use vitamin K. Vitamin E helps form red blood cells, which is critical in the clotting process. Without red blood cells, your blood would not be able to clot. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant, which helps your body destroy free radicals. Vitamin E helps keep red blood cells healthy and protects tissues from becoming damaged.
Sources
Vitamin K is found in foods such as soybean oil, broccoli and leafy green vegetables. Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt also provide plenty of vitamin K for your body. You can obtain vitamin E from whole grains, egg yolks, nuts, seeds and leafy green vegetables. Vegetable oils -- such as sunflower, canola and olive oil -- are also good sources of vitamin E.
Considerations
If your diet lacks foods rich in vitamins E and K, talk to your healthcare provider about taking a vitamin supplement. It's important to have healthy red blood cells and enough vitamin K for your blood to clot, especially if you suffer a severe injury. Taking supplements may interfere with some medications; consult your doctor or pharmacist about any other medications you may be taking prior to taking supplements.
References
- MedlinePlus; Vitamins; Linda Vorvick; March 2009
- KidsHealth; Vitamins; Mary L. Gavin, MD; January 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin K; Steven D. Ehrlich; June 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin E; Steven D. Ehrlich; December 2009
- Health Alternatives 2000: Dr. Decuypere's Nutrient Charts: Vitamin Chart
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