Vitamin K

What is Vitamin K?

Fat soluble vitamin

Three types:

K1- from plants, like green leafy vegetables

K2- made from K1 and K3 in the body, or from bacteria living in the gut.

K3- a very small amount of vitamin K found in food.

What does Vitamin K do?

Aids in blood clotting

K1 and K2 (in unison with vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium) are essential in bone health, growth, and maintenance

Protect veins, arteries, and cells that line blood vessels

Can improve insulin resistance in some individuals

Food Sources

K1: dark green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, broccoli) and herbs (parsley, basil, black pepper)

K2: meat, eggs, dairy, fish, and fermented foods (sauerkraut, kombucha)

Deficiencies

Those who are deficient in vitamin K will have issues with the body’s natural ability to stop bleeding.

Vitamin K deficiencies can lead to bone fractures.

Certain medications can block production of blood clotting proteins.

Take Note

Due to vitamin K’s ability to assist in blood coagulation, those who are taking medications such as Xeralto, Warfarin (Coumadin) consult your physician.