About Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin that plays a critical role in blood clotting and bone metabolism. Without vitamin K, even a small cut would cause continuous bleeding in the body and perhaps even death. Lately, studies indicate that Vitamin K helps in maintaining strong bones in the elderly. Low levels of vitamin K in the body have been linked with lower bone density, and supplementation with vitamin K has shown improvements in bone health. Caution - Its role in maintaining the clotting cycle is so important that patients who take anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin) must be careful to keep their vitamin K intake stable. Your doctor will discuss how best to manage and prevent a deficiency in Vitamin K.

Vitamin K – RDA - Recommended Average Daily Dietary Intake

(The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine recommends the following dietary intake for vitamin K)

Vitamin K deficiency

Though Vitamin K deficiency is very rare – it can occur when the body can't properly absorb the vitamin from the intestinal tract. Vitamin K deficiency can also occur after long-term treatment with antibiotics.

Vitamin K deficiency results in impaired blood clotting - symptoms of vitamin K deficiency include bruising and bleeding that may be manifested as nose bleeding, bleeding gums, blood in urine, extremely heavy menstrual bleeding.

Good Sources of Vitamin K

Vitamin K is found mostly in green leafy vegetables, cereals, soybeans, and other vegetables. Vitamin K is also made by the bacteria that line the gastrointestinal tract. Some spices are also very high in Vitamin K.

Vitamin K - Recommendations

The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins such as Vitamin K is to eat a balanced diet that has multiple servings of freshly cooked or raw dark green leafy vegetables prepared with fresh herbs and spices instead of prepared foods.