There are three forms of vitamin K in existence. Two of those forms are naturally occurring and the third is a synthetic form. In order for vitamin K to be absorbed and utilized by the small intestine, there must be some presence of dietary fat to go along with it.
There are many functions of Vitamin K that benefit our health. The most important ones are normal blood clotting, strong bones, and cancer prevention. Let's take a closer look:
Blood Clotting: Vitamin K's most important and primary function is to regulate health normal blood clotting. Without enough of this vitamin, your body will not produce enough prothrombin, which is vital for blood coagulation.
Strong Bones: There are proteins, such as osteocalcin, which are “vitamin K-dependable”. Osteocalcin can be found within the bones and are considered to be an essential part of calcium metabolism, tissue mineralization, and bone-turnover.
Cancer Prevention: Numerous studies and experiments on tumor cells have been taken from the body provide information that the use of vitamin K may help slow down or even totally prohibit the growth of some cancer forms. These cancers include colon, bladder, stomach, breast, kidney, and ovary cancer.
The effectiveness of vitamin K is enhanced when it is used with a medication called warfarin. Keep in mind, however, that the research on vitamin K is of course limited and more information needs to be concluded before set recommendations can be made.
Vitamin K Deficiencies
Cases of vitamin deficiencies are rare, except in some newborn babies. This is because the vitamin gets synthesized by microorganisms that are within the intestinal tract. However, in newborn infants, the establishments of this bacteria take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to develop. Mothers are typically given vitamin K supplements before having her baby in order to increase the amounts of the vitamin that crosses over the placenta and are made ready in the breast milk.
Adults may have vitamin K deficiencies due to the lack of dark green leafy vegetables in their diet. Also, those men and women who take in many antibiotic medications on a regular basis show signs of being deficient of vitamin K. Other medications that may affect how your body absorbs vitamin K are salicylates, coumarin, and warfarin.
Sources Of Vitamin K In Your Diet
There are only “approximate values” of vitamin K intake found in many foods, instead of concrete amounts advised. In fact, the amount of vitamin K of a certain food may vary by as much as a 45% difference than what the label may show. So when it comes to getting enough of this vitamin, you can ensure your intake by eating dark green leafy vegetables such as romaine lettuce, cabbage, turnip greens, and broccoli. Certain cheeses, liver, and egg yolks also contain a small amount of vitamin K.
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