What is vitamin K?

Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin which plays a vital role in the process of blood clotting. It is derivative of the 2-methilo-naphthaquinone group and is also known as phylloquinone. This vitamin is stored by the fatty tissues of our body. Vitamin K comes in three different forms. They are vitamin K1 or phylloquinone, vitamin K2 or menaquinone and vitamin K3 or menadione. All the three forms are essential for blood clot.

The vitamin K1 is a form that comes only in a plant form and the best form of vitamin K. The vitamin K2 is produced by the bacteria that are present in the intestines of human. Vitamin K3 is a synthetic form of this vitamin and hence this is not allowed in nutritional supplements.

What are the functions of vitamin K?

Vitamin K is otherwise known as the clotting vitamin and helps in the synthesis of prothrombin. It helps a lot in blood clot and without vitamin K blood clot would not be possible. As soon as there is an injury in our body, the injury produces a tear in the blood vessel and this is the beginning of the blood clot process. Then vitamin K regulates the blood stream by helping the body to transport calcium and liver proteins like protein Z, protein S and protein C help in enhancing the process of clotting. And finally the blood in the injured area is solidified thus preventing us from bleeding to death. Vitamin K helps to synthesize those liver proteins. It also helps in preventing the risk of calcification in the arteries and in other soft tissues.

Vitamin K is necessary for normal bone calcification and reduces the risk of getting fractures. This vitamin is involved in the bone formation, bone metabolism and repair. Vitamin K has a role in the blood sugar regulation. Studies have revealed that vitamin K can reduce the severity of osteoporosis and slows the bone loss.

What are the causes for deficiency of vitamin K?

The deficiency of vitamin K occurs when your body can’t properly absorb the vitamin in the intestinal tract or if you do not consume foods that are rich in vitamin K. If you are using an anti-biotic for a prolonged time, then it can lead to its deficiency. If you have diseases such as celiac disease, cholestasis and cystic fibrosis, your body cannot absorb any fats and hence leading to vitamin K deficiency. New born babies are more likely to develop vitamin K deficiency symptoms because they do not have any intestinal bacteria.

Food sources that are rich in vitamin K are cabbage, spinach, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, kale, cow milk, soybeans, egg yolk, cereals, butter, liver, sprouts and Brussels. There are also supplements for vitamin K that could fulfill our requirements. Always plan a balanced diet so that you get all the vitamins to maintain a good overall health.