Vitamin K promotes normal blood clotting and also plays a role in bone health. Besides obtaining it from leafy greens, your body can produce it from intestinal bacteria. In most cases, you do not require supplementation to meet your body's need for this vitamin. The presence of certain health conditions or the use of certain medications might make supplementation necessary. Besides correcting conditions that trigger excess bleeding, other purported uses, such as treating high cholesterol, osteoporosis, heart disease, spider veins, scars and stretch marks have "insufficient evidence" behind them, according to MedlinePlus. If you believe vitamin K supplementation can address a particular health concern, talk to your doctor about the appropriateness of using this supplement and a suggested dosage.
Suggested Dosage
According to the MayoClinic.com, a typical dosage with a dietary vitamin K supplement is 5 to 10 mg daily; this might sound quite high considering your body's need for vitamin K is measured in micrograms, but your body only absorbs a small percentage of what is actually present in a supplement. Certain bleeding disorders might require dosages much higher than this -- up to 25 mg daily.
General Safety
When taken in the suggested dosages, vitamin K appears safe; side effects are unlikely. Anytime you start a new supplement, however, you should watch for any unusual reactions. Rare side effects include, but are not limited to, yellowing of the skin or eyes, muscle stiffness, swelling and irritability. If you experience any strange symptoms after using vitamin K, discontinue use and see your doctor.
Contraindications
Using vitamin K while undergoing dialysis for kidney failure could worsen your condition. High doses of this supplement could cause clotting problems if you have liver disease. Pregnant and breastfeeding women can safely consume vitamin K in the range of the suggested daily intake, but because it passes through the placenta and breast milk, do not use supplements without talking to your doctor first. Avoid vitamin K if you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, or G6PD.
Medication Interactions
Using vitamin K at the same time as warfarin or other anticoagulant drugs can interfere with the actions of these medications. You shouldn't take vitamin K, or consume foods containing high amounts of vitamin K, while you are taking anticoagulants.
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