Along with vitamins A, D and E, vitamin K belongs to the category of nutrients described as fat-soluble vitamins. These compounds remain in your body long after you consume them, making it possible for a dangerously large store to accumulate. If this situation occurs, vitamin K can become toxic and endanger your health until the levels decrease. The nutrient can also produce dangerous side effects in people with certain health conditions.
Functions
Vitamin K helps your body produce four proteins required for your blood to clot. So, if you have inadequate vitamin K, you may experience hemorrhaging, or profuse bleeding. Recent research indicates the nutrient may contribute to the proper development of bones, as well, states Harvard School of Public Health. The bones of individuals who do not consume adequate vitamin K can eventually become less dense, and increasing their intake of vitamin K can help improve bone health. Another common use of vitamin K involves topical application to reduce the appearance of visible marks on the skin due to burns, bruises, rosacea, scars, spider veins, stretch marks and wounds.
Sources
Intestinal bacteria create vitamin K inside your body. The nutrient also occurs naturally in numerous vegetables and vegetable-based foods, including green vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and spinach and cooking oils such as canola, olive and soybean oil. Animal-based foods usually contain minimal or no vitamin K. Because babies younger than one week have not yet acquired the bacteria needed to produce vitamin K, they require a vitamin K supplement for the first seven days of their life.
Potential Negative Effects
Most people can consume vitamin K without experiencing complications. But some people must take precautions when they take the vitamin to avoid side effects. Vitamin K can endanger the health of people with kidney disease who undergo dialysis, for example. Those suffering from liver disease can encounter problems with their blood clotting if they take too much vitamin K, as well. People who take the medication warfarin, which inhibits blood clotting, should also avoid taking vitamin K at the same time because the nutrient can reduce the effectiveness of the drug.
General Warning
As with other dietary supplements and medications, if you take vitamin K, watch out for symptoms that could indicate your body is having difficulty or is incapable of processing the nutrient normally. Possible side effects that may reflect a problem include an abnormal heartbeat, a flushed face, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fainting, pale or yellow skin, rash, reduced appetite, stiff muscles, swelling and a tight chest. If you have these symptoms, consult a health care professional.
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