The letter "K" in vitamin K is derived from the German word koagulation. A fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin K is essential in coagulation, or blood clotting. The nutrient is naturally synthesized in certain plants and intestinal bacterium. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, vitamin K has only one biological function -- acting with enzymes to form amino acids vital to good health.
Recommended Doses
A single vitamin K injection commonly is given to newborns in the hospital because the nutrient does not pass easily through the placenta. After birth, babies need about 2 mcg, or micrograms, per day for the first six months and 2.5 for the next six months. Adolescents 14 to 18 should get about 75 mcg per day, and adult males over 19 need closer to 120 mcg. Adult females need 90 mcg. One microgram is equal to .001 milligrams.
Warning
Vitamin K supplements can interact with other medications, so you should talk to your doctor before adding any to your diet to make sure they don't interact with any ongoing treatment. Blood-thinning medication such as warfarin may become ineffective when you take vitamin K supplements. Antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of vitamin K, leaving you with a deficiency. The weight-loss medication orlistat prevents fat absorption, where vitamin K resides, so manufacturers have started adding vitamin K to their formulas -- which is important to know if you are taking any other kinds of medicines that may interact with the supplement.
Food Sources
While many doctors may prescribe multiple vitamins with added K, most people get a sufficient amount of the nutrients in their daily diet. The most common food sources of vitamin K include dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, kale, asparagus and cabbage. It's the chlorophyll in the vitamin that carries vitamin K and turns vegetables green. Green tea and beef liver are other effective sources of the vitamin. Freezing can destroy vitamin K in food, but heating does not limit the amount that naturally occurs in food.
Benefits
Vitamin K deficiency can lead to excessive bleeding that often first appears in the nose or from your gums. Vitamin K prevents excessive bleeding, particularly for those with liver disease or problems with digestive absorption. If you've been taking antibiotics for a long period of time, you may need extra vitamin K. Like vitamin D, vitamin K is necessary for proper calcium absorption to prevent osteoporosis. Vitamin K is vital for building strong bones and maintaining bone density as you age. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, athletes can benefit from vitamin K supplements to prevent bone injuries.
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