Vitamin K

What is Vitamin K?

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin. K, derived from Germanic word “koagulation,” translated in English as “coagulation” is a reference to the process of blood clot formation, and vitamin K plays a major role in blood clotting. Blood clotting is a necessary function that helps our bodies to heal and to combat excessive blood loss, in particular bleeding caused from certain medications. In fact, vitamin K has been used to reduce the effects of blood-thinners if too much has been given to a patient. Vitamin K’s converts the glutamate in proteins to gamma-carboxyglutamate. Carboxyglutamic acid is a part of the Blood Coagulation cascade. Vitamin K is needed for the modification of certain proteins in the Blood Coagulation cascade.

Vitamin K uses

Perhaps vitamin K’s most important function is blood clotting. If too much blood thinning medication has been given, vitamin K can reverse the effects. It can also be used to treat osteoporosis, a condition that causes weak bones. After surgical procedures vitamin K is administered to help in the process of wound healing.

What is Vitamin K good for?

Vitamin K is good for removing spider veins, bruises, and can even diminish the signs of scars and stretch marks. Vitamin K is also good for the treatment of rosacea, skin condition of the face, causing pimples and red, irritated skin.

What is Vitamin K in?

Vitamin K is typically found in Leafy green vegetables, broccoli, spinach, cabbage, avocado, green tea

Foods with Vitamin K

• Avocado
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Green tea
• Leafy green vegetables
• Spinach

Vitamin K deficiency

Vitamin K deficiency can result in anemia, bleeding of the gums or nose.

Too much vitamin K – toxicity

Because vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting, it may interfere with blood thinning medications. It is not recommended that you take more than 500 micrograms without first talking to your healthcare professional. Before beginning any supplement, consult with your doctor.