Vitamin K refers to two naturally occurring fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin K1 and vitamin K2.
Vitamin K1 is also known as phylloquinone or phytomenadione
(phytonadione), while vitamin K2 includes menaquinone and menatetrenone.
Vitamin K1 is made by plants.
Vitamin K2 is typically produced in the large intestine by bacteria. Experts say that unless the individual has intestinal damage which undermines their ability to absorb the vitamin, dietary deficiency is extremely rare. In some cases, administering a broad spectrum antibiotic long-term may reduce the vitamin-producing bacteria population (recent research has shown that the bowel might not be good at absorbing vitamin K, therefore not backing this theory).
Vitamins K3, K4 and K5 also exist - they are synthetic forms and are used to inhibit fungal growth as well as by the pet food industry.
Experts say vitamin K is crucial for proper blood coagulation (clotting) - it helps make 4 of the 13 proteins required for blood clotting. It is also involved in maintaining good bone health as we age.
Good sources of vitamin K1 include:
Newborn infants may have a higher risk until their intestinal bacteria start production. Vitamin K deficiency among infants is potentially dangerous because it can lead to bleeding in the brain and other vital organs.
Patients with liver damage or disease, alcoholics, those with cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, as well as those who have had surgical procedures in their abdomen have a higher risk of vitamin K deficiency.
Some people with eating disorders, such as bulimia have a higher risk of vitamin K deficiency, as well as individuals on very severe or strict diets.
Patients taking anticoagulants, salicylates, barbiturates, or cefamandole may also have a higher risk.
Signs and symptoms of vitamin K deficiency may include:
Vitamin K1 is made by plants.
Vitamin K2 is typically produced in the large intestine by bacteria. Experts say that unless the individual has intestinal damage which undermines their ability to absorb the vitamin, dietary deficiency is extremely rare. In some cases, administering a broad spectrum antibiotic long-term may reduce the vitamin-producing bacteria population (recent research has shown that the bowel might not be good at absorbing vitamin K, therefore not backing this theory).
Vitamins K3, K4 and K5 also exist - they are synthetic forms and are used to inhibit fungal growth as well as by the pet food industry.
Experts say vitamin K is crucial for proper blood coagulation (clotting) - it helps make 4 of the 13 proteins required for blood clotting. It is also involved in maintaining good bone health as we age.
Good sources of vitamin K1 include:
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Brussel sprouts
- Avocado
- Kiwifruit
- Grapes
- Parsley - two tablespoon contain 153% of RDA (recommended daily amount)
- Meat
- Eggs
- Dairy products
- Natto (Japanese food made from soybeans fermented with Bacillus subtilis)
Vitamin K deficiency
Vitamin K deficiency is extremely rare in healthy adults.Newborn infants may have a higher risk until their intestinal bacteria start production. Vitamin K deficiency among infants is potentially dangerous because it can lead to bleeding in the brain and other vital organs.
Patients with liver damage or disease, alcoholics, those with cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, as well as those who have had surgical procedures in their abdomen have a higher risk of vitamin K deficiency.
Some people with eating disorders, such as bulimia have a higher risk of vitamin K deficiency, as well as individuals on very severe or strict diets.
Patients taking anticoagulants, salicylates, barbiturates, or cefamandole may also have a higher risk.
Signs and symptoms of vitamin K deficiency may include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Anemia
- Nose bleeds
- Bleeding gums
- Osteoporosis is strongly linked to low vitamin K2 levels
- Coronary heart disease is strongly linked to low vitamin K2 levels
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