Vitamin K

What is Vitamin K?

Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting. Without it, even a small cut would cause continuous bleeding in the body. Vitamin K also plays an important role in kidney function and bone growth and repair - some studies have even shown that it may help prevent osteoporosis.

About half of the vitamin K necessary for good health is supplied by bacteria living in the intestine, but dietary consumption of Vitamin K is also important. Good sources of Vitamin K include: beef liver, green tea, cheese, spinach or kale.

Side Effects and Warnings of Vitamin K

Newborns are especially prone to vitamin K deficiency, so doctors may recommend Vitamin K supplementation. Vitamin K deficiency in adults is rare but it may occur in people with conditions such as cystic fibrosis and celiac disease whose bodies cannot absorb vitamins from foods properly. When it occurs, Vitamin K deficiency may cause bleeding gums and skin that is easily bruised.

Vitamin K toxicity is also rare, but you should not take doses of more than 500 micrograms without talking to your doctor. Vitamin K may interfere with the effectiveness of medications such as anticoagulants so talk to your doctor before using a supplement that contains Vitamin K.

Bookmark this:

Bookmark this page