Vitamin K is a nutrient that is necessary to maintain healthy bones.
It serves as a coenzyme, or a necessary helper, for the production of proteins that aid in both blood clotting and bone metabolism.
Vitamin K is actually a group of compounds.
The most important of these compounds appears to be vitamin K1 and vitamin K2.
Vitamin K1 is obtained from leafy greens and some other vegetables.
Phylloquinone, also known as vitamin K1, is found in plants.
When people eat it, bacteria in the large intestine convert it to its storage form, vitamin K2. It is absorbed in the small intestine and stored in fatty tissue and the liver.
The initial discovery was reported in a German scientific journal, where it was called “Koagulationsvitamin” — which is where the "K" comes from
Vitamin K2 is a group of compounds largely obtained from meats, cheeses, and eggs, and synthesized by bacteria.
Without vitamin K, the body cannot produce prothrombin, a clotting factor that is necessary for blood clotting and bone metabolism.
Vitamin K interferes with blood-thinning medication like warfarin.
Follow your doctor's dietary instructions if you are taking blood thinners.
Why do people take vitamin K?
Low levels of vitamin K can raise the risk of uncontrolled bleeding. While vitamin K deficiencies are rare in adults, they are very common in newborn infants.
A single injection of vitamin K for newborns is standard. Vitamin K is also used to counteract an overdose of the blood thinner Coumadin.
While vitamin K deficiencies are uncommon, you may be at higher risk if you:
Have a disease that affects absorption in the digestive tract, such as Crohn's disease or active celiac disease
Take drugs that interfere with vitamin K absorption
Are severely malnourished
Drink alcohol heavily
How Do Vitamins K1 and K2 Work?
Vitamin K activates proteins that play a role in blood clotting, calcium metabolism and heart health.
One of its most important functions is to regulate calcium deposition. In other words, it promotes the calcification of bones and prevents the calcification of blood vessels and kidneys
