Vitamin K: The Unsung Hero of Blood Clotting and Bone Health
When it comes to discussions about essential vitamins, vitamin K is often left out, but it is importance in preserving optimal health cannot be simple. This forgotten hero greatly improves general well-being by playing a critical role in blood clotting and bone health.
Let’s look at the importance of vitamin K, as well as its sources, uses, and effects on our bodies.
What is vitamin K used for?
There are two main forms of vitamin K, which are fat-soluble, K1 (phylloquinone) and K2 (menaquinone).
While leafy green vegetables are the main source of K1, fermented foods, and animal products contain K2.
K1 and K2 have different functions in the body; K1 is necessary for blood clotting, while K2 is important for bone health.
Blood Clotting (Primary role of Vitamin K)
Vitamin K’s role in blood clotting is among its most important physiological roles. When we are injured, clotting is a complicated process that keeps the bleeding from getting too bad.
Blood clots can form at the site of injury because vitamin K activates proteins in the blood clotting cascade.
Insufficient Vitamin K might slow down the blood clotting process, which results in more bleeding and possible health risks.
Bone Health (Beyond calcium)
Although calcium is frequently linked to bone health, vitamin K is also essential for strong, healthy bones.
Through its ability to control calcium levels and promote the synthesis of proteins necessary for bone mineralization, vitamin K plays a role in bone metabolism.
According to research, a vitamin K deficiency may raise the risk of fractures and result in decreased bone density.
Sources of Vitamin K
Including a range of foods in your diet is necessary for maintaining that you are getting enough Vitamin K. Rich sources of Vitamin K1 are leafy green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and kale.
As a source of Vitamin K2, include animal products such as eggs and meat as well as fermented foods like natto, cheese, and sauerkraut. You can maintain the best levels of Vitamin K by including these foods in your diet.
Read more Vitamin K Benefits
How much vitamin K per day?
Age and gender-specific recommendations for vitamin K intake vary. The average adult needs between 90 and 120 micrograms per day.
While a balanced diet can supply enough Vitamin K, some people, especially those with particular medical conditions or dietary restrictions, may find taking supplements beneficial.
But, it would be best to speak with a medical expert before starting a supplement routine.
Where is vitamin K produced in body?
The gut bacteria found in the large intestine are the main producers of vitamin K in the body.
Much of the vitamin K that is produced by bacteria during gut fermentation is different from that which is obtained from dietary sources, especially Vitamin K1 from leafy green vegetables and Vitamin K2 from fermented foods.
This bacterial production of vitamin K adds to the body’s total vitamin K pool and is needed for many physiological processes, including bone metabolism and blood clotting.
Even with this endogenous synthesis, dietary consumption is still necessary for guaranteeing the body gets enough Vitamin K, since the body may not always require as much of it as is produced by gut bacteria.
What is vitamin K also known as?
Because of its vital role in the process of blood clotting, vitamin K is also referred to as the “clotting vitamin”.
The German word “koagulation,” from which the name “K” is derived, highlights the role that this word plays in blood coagulation or clotting.
This vitamin is required for the coagulation cascade’s protein synthesis, which stops excessive bleeding and speeds up wound healing.
Also, because it helps maintain bone health by controlling calcium levels and promoting the synthesis of proteins required for bone mineralization, vitamin K is frequently referred to as the “bone vitamin”.
