Vitamin K is a family of vitamins that are
important for blood clotting, and it is also important for bone metabolism and
blood calcium regulation. It is fat-soluble vitamers found in foods and
marketed as dietary supplements. Further, it support bone health, brain health,
heart health, and more. Vitamin K1 and K2 are the two most important compounds
are vitamins, and Vitamin K1 is found naturally in leafy green vegetables and
some other vegetables, while vitamin K2 is mainly found in meats, cheeses and
eggs, and is synthesized by bacteria.
This article will appraise, why Vitamin K is
important to your health, why it is essential to the body, and what benefits of
vitamin K.
Why Vitamin K is important to your health
What is vitamin K?
Vitamins K and K2 are essential nutrients that
help keep your blood clotting and bones healthy, and these are the two main
forms of vitamin K. Moreover, vitamin K1 is found in green leafy vegetables and
in fermented foods, while vitamin K2 is found in animal products. Vitamin K
helps activate certain proteins that help blood clot and keep your bones
healthy. The body needs Vitamin K to produce Prothrombin, which is a protein
and blood clotting factor. People who take blood thinners like warfarin and
Coumadin should not consume additional Vitamin K without first consulting their
doctor. Vitamin K deficiency is rare but in severe cases it can increase the
clotting time and cause excessive bleeding.
What
are uses of vitamin K?
Good sources of vitamin K are kale and cruciferous
vegetables. When you eat it, the bacteria in your large intestine convert it
into vitamin K2, which you absorb in your small intestine and store in your
fatty tissue and liver. If you don’t have vitamin K, your body can’t make
prothrombin (a clotting factor that helps blood clot and break down bone). The
right amount of vitamin K for your body depends on your age and gender, usually
for women, 90 mcg (mcg) and for men, 120 mcg per day is recommended.
Vitamin K help to manage blood pressure
Why do people take vitamin K?
Vitamin K deficiency is unusual, however,
individuals may be at increased risk if they: have a digestive tract disease,
take medications that affect vitamin K absorption, are severely underweight, or
consume alcohol excessively. In these cases, vitamin K supplements may be
recommended by a healthcare provider. Although vitamin K deficiency is uncommon
in adults, it is highly common in newborns, and is usually treated with a
single injection.
What are the benefits of vitamin K?
Vitamin K is really important for your health, and it
benefits the body in various ways.
- Cognitive health - Higher vitamin K levels have been linked to better memory performance in older adults. A study found that those people who had the highest vitamin K1 levels in their blood had the best verbal memory.
- Heart health - If you get enough vitamin K, it can help keep your blood pressure low and prevent mineralization, which is when minerals build up in your arteries. This helps your heart pump more blood through your body. Vitamin K is also known to reduce the risk of stroke.
- Blood clotting – It mainly helps for blood clotting factors so you don't bleed too much, and it helps your wounds heal properly.
- Bone health - If you're looking to keep your bones strong and healthy, it's important to make sure you're getting enough vitamin K. it helps your bones stay strong and which can help keep you from breaking bones and getting osteoporosis.
Vitamin K keep your bones strong and healthy
What foods are high in vitamin K?
Vitamin K is found naturally in dark leafy greens such as kale, spinach, swiss chard, asparagus, collard greens, and you can also get it from
meat, milk, eggs, and fermented soy beans.
Vitamin K2 is also found naturally in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli
and Brussels sprouts. Asparagus and green peas are also good sources of vitamin
K2.
You
can also meet your daily requirement with foods that have lesser amounts of
vitamin K, such as Eggs, Strawberries and Meat like liver.
Vitamin K is found naturally in dark leafy greens
What are the
symptoms of vitamin K deficiency?
Vitamin K deficiencies can result in a variety of health
conditions, predominantly when it comes to blood clotting disorders and bone
disorders. Symptoms of vitamin K deficiency may include light bruising and
long-term bleeding from cuts or wounds. In more severe cases, excessive
bleeding may occur in the digestive tract or in the nose. Vitamin K deficiency
can also have a negative effect on bone health, possibly increasing the
likelihood of fractures and bone loss. If a vitamin K deficiency is suspected,
it is important to seek medical attention for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
What are the risks of taking vitamin K?
Side
effects of oral vitamin K at recommended doses are rare.
Interactions: Many
drugs can interfere with the effects of vitamin K. They include antacids, blood
thinners, antibiotics, aspirin,
and drugs for cancer, seizures,
high cholesterol, and other conditions.
Risks: If
you're taking vitamin K supplements, you should only do so if your doctor tells
you to. Coumadin users who are taking it for heart issues, blood clots, or
other conditions need to be careful about what they eat to make sure they're
getting enough vitamin K. They should not take vitamin K supplements unless
their doctor tells them to.
The most
effective way to make sure you’re getting enough is to eat a balanced diet that
includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. You should only take vitamin K
supplements if you’re experiencing vitamin K deficiency, and only then under
your doctor’s supervision.
Conclusion:
Vitamin K
is a vital nutrient that plays an important role in the health of the body. It
is essential for the proper clotting of blood, the prevention of excessive
bleeding, and the successful healing of wounds. Additionally, Vitamin K
promotes bone health by aiding in the mineralization of the bones and
decreasing the risk of fracture and osteoporotic disease. Consuming foods rich
in vitamin K can help to ensure adequate intake of this nutrient for overall
health.
FAQ:
Q1. How much vitamin K do I need daily?
Answer: The amount of
vitamin K you need to take each day depends on your age, gender, and stage of
life. Adults should aim to get around 90-120 mcg of vitamin K each day, while
women should aim to get between 120 and 150 mcg. Infants, kids, and pregnant or
breastfeeding women have different daily intakes, so it's important to talk to
your doctor about what's best for you.
Q2. What
are the differences between vitamin K1 and vitamin K2?
Answer: Vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2
are two different types of vitamins that have different roles and functions in
the body. Phylloquinone, or vitamin K1, is mostly found in plant foods,
especially dark green leafy greens. It's important for blood clotting and helps
keep your bones healthy. Vitamin K2, or vitamin K2, is mostly from animal
sources and fermented foods. It helps your bones and teeth absorb calcium,
which is important for overall health.
Q3. Can vitamin K interact with
medications?
Answer: Yes, vitamin K interacts
with certain medications. Anticoagulants such as warfarin (coumadin) are known
to interact with vitamin K. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting.
Consuming too little or too much vitamin K via diet or supplements can affect
the effectiveness of anti-coagulants. It is important for anticoagulant
patients to maintain a consistent vitamin K intake and to inform their
healthcare provider of dietary changes or new vitamin K supplements to
effectively manage potential interactions. Always consult your healthcare
provider before making significant dietary or medication changes.
Q4. Is
vitamin K safe during pregnancy?
Answer: Yes, taking vitamin K
during pregnancy is usually safe as long as you stick to the recommended daily
intake. It's important to get enough vitamin K during pregnancy to help your
blood clot properly, both for you and your baby. Make sure you're getting
enough from your diet, and always talk to your doctor before taking any
supplements.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219867
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_K
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/supplement-guide-vitamin-k
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