Benefits of vitamin k
Chemical Names- Menadione, Phytomenadione, Phylloquinone, Menaquinone
Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin. There are many benefits of vitamin K such as it essential for synthesis of proteins that are needed for proper blood clotting. It also helps stop bleeding and enables most minor wounds to heal quickly. Vitamin K is also necessary for bone building process.
Types of vitamin K:
All forms of vitamin K ends up in the liver to form blood clotting protein.
- Vitamin K1 - also known as phylloquinone, found in plant foods.
- Vitamin K2 - also known as menaquinone, formed by bacteria in intestine.
- Vitamin K3 - also known as menadione , artificial form of vitamin k
Deficiency of vitamin k:
Deficiency of vitamin can cause serious problems with blood clotting which results in excessive blood loss and increased risk of death from injuries.
Sources of vitamin K:
- Green leafy vegetables
- Spinach
- Barcolli
- Collards
- Cabbage
- Kiwi
- Blue berries
- Black berries
- Red grapes
Daily Requirements:
Men with ages 19+ = 120 micrograms daily
Women with ages 19+ = 90 micrograms daily
Pregnant women = 90 micrograms daily
Breastfeeding women = 90 micrograms daily
Note – Do consult to your doctor before taking vitamin E supplements, or herbs such as ginkgo and garlic. High doses of vitamin E can interfere with the action of vitamin K in the body.
Some other benefits of vitamin K are:
- Vitamin K is essential for calcium absorption.
- Vitamin K helps prevent osteoporosis.
- It helps prevent cancer and hardening of arteries.
