Does Vitamin K Help The Body With The Clotting Process?

Vitamin K is one of 13 essential vitamins required by the body for proper function. The meaning of the K indicates its function, coming from the German word "koagulation." Clotting is one part of a four-stage process to control bleeding at the site of an injury. The role of vitamin K is crucial. This nutrient is responsible for the formation of chemicals that make clotting possible.

Function

The function of vitamin K illustrates how complex some body processes are. This nutrient is a cofactor, meaning that its presence is necessary for certain enzymes to function. Enzymes speed up chemical reactions. In essence, clotting is a series of chemical reactions supported by vitamin K. This vitamin will assist the formation of a chemical that helps the body use calcium in chemical reactions to stimulate platelets to form a plug to stop bleeding. Platelets are cell fragments found in blood. They are the first responders to the clotting process.

Synthesis

The large intestine synthesizes vitamin K in the body through the action of bacteria found in the gastrointestinal system. Though the exact amount is unclear, a 1995 study by the University of Wisconsin found evidence that it is less than 50 percent of the body's needs. The chemicals needed for clotting are produced in the liver using vitamin K. The body also has a mechanism for conserving vitamin K by recycling it because of its vital role in survival.

Sources

Because it is fat-soluble, vitamin K is stored to some degree in the body. However, dietary intake is essential to meet the nutritional requirements. Vitamin K is found in a number of dark, leafy vegetables including spinach, lettuce and Swiss chard. Olive and canola oils also provide excellent sources. A tablespoon of canola oil contains almost 20 percent of the daily requirement for adult women.

Drug Interactions

Several drugs can interfere with vitamin K function in blood clotting. Individuals taking anticoagulants such as warfarin must monitor their intake of vitamin K. These drugs can impair certain chemical reactions driven by vitamin K in the clotting process, especially if the individual consumes large quantities of vitamin K-rich foods. Spikes in vitamin K consumption can make warfarin less effective and increase the chances of blood clots in high-risk individuals, warns Drugs.com. Mega-doses of vitamins A and E may also affect vitamin K functioning. Generally, you should stay within the recommended daily allowance for vitamins and minerals to prevent harmful interactions.