Vitamin K

Description

Vitamin K is necessary for proper bone formation and blood clotting. It is administered to all new-born infants to prevent the development of deficiencies, a risk in breast-fed infants. Leafy green vegetables are the best source of vitamin K. The natural vegetable form of vitamin K is called phylloquinone.

Functions

Vitamin K is needed for the proper transport of Calcium in the body. For this reason, it is essential for proper bone formation and blood clotting. Vitamin K also enhances the effects of Calcium on these functions.

Deficiency

Deficiencies in vitamin K can cause uncontrolled bleeding, although the condition occurs rarely. Individuals with certain malabsorption diseases and breast-fed babies are at increased risk of vitamin K deficiency.

Requirements

65-80 mg daily.

Eating vegetables can be sufficient to obtain the daily requirement.

Supplemental Uses

Coeliac Disease:
Vitamin K is a suggested supplement for Coeliac Disease patients who have a vitamin K deficiency.

Osteoporosis:
Vitamin K can help fight Osteoporosis by enhancing the effects of Calcium and facilitating the building of bone.

Morning sickness:
Vitamin K may be helpful for treating morning sickness. The effect may be enhanced if combined with Vitamin C (1).

Warfarin:
Medical doctors use vitamin K to treat overdose of the drug warfarin, an anticoagulant that slows blood clotting. People who are taking warfarin and require surgery are also given vitamin K to prevent excessive bleeding.

Safety

Phylloquinone does not appear to cause any side effects.

Interactions and Contra-Indications

The action of some prescription blood thinners may be disrupted by vitamin K. Only under medical supervision should people taking these drugs use Vitamin K supplementation.

Food Sources

Food (mcg/ 100 g)
Turnip greens 650
Beef kidney 100-300
Beef liver 100-300
Broccoli 100-300
Cabbage 100-300
Cauliflower 100-300
Lettuce 100-300
Soybean 100-300
Spinach 100-300
Alfafa 10-100
Bacon 10-100
Bran flake 10-100
Butter 10-100
Cheese 10-100
Egg yolk 10-100
Potato 10-100
Strawberry 10-100
Tomato 10-100
Whole wheat 10-100

References

1. Merkel, R. "The use of menadione bisulfite and ascorbic acid in the treatment of nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy." Am J Ob Gyn. 1952, 64, pp. 416-418.