There are two types of vitamin K. These are called phylloquinone and menaquinone, respectively. Both vitamins are similar, structurally, and contain two aromatic rings. However, they differ in several ways, including their chemical names. In this article, we’ll look at each type and its benefits, as well as some side effects. You’ll also learn how to spot a vitamin K deficiency.
What is Vitamin K?
Vitamin K is a group of structurally similar fat-soluble vitamers found naturally in foods and marketed as dietary supplements. Vitamin K is required for a variety of processes, including post-synthesis modification of proteins, blood coagulation, and the regulation of calcium in the bones. There are several food sources of vitamin K, but it’s not always clear how to determine its benefits. Here’s a look at the most commonly known dietary sources.
Vitamin K is crucial to blood clotting. It converts its inactive precursors into functional blood clotting factors. It is necessary for normal blood clotting, and the body tries to recycle it as needed. Anticoagulant drugs, however, prevent vitamin K from being reactivated. It is also needed for osteocalcin, a protein involved in bone mineralization. In fact, sufficient levels of vitamin K can help prevent bone loss.
Vitamin K is most important for blood clotting, as well as building protein in the liver and other tissues. Vitamin K can also be found in the skeletal system, pancreas, and brain. Scientists first identified vitamin K in the 1930s and named it after Danish researcher Henrik Dam. Dam was interested in how it prevented chickens from bleeding when they were treated with a vaccine against influenza. The benefits of vitamin K are many and varied.
Health Benefits of Vitamin K
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Vitamin K may protect the body from certain chronic diseases. Vitamin K is beneficial for the following conditions:
It helps the body clot blood, turning it into a gel-like substance that hardens into a scab. The process of clotting blood helps prevent bleeding to death. People with blood disorders and those on blood thinners may have problems clotting their own blood. It is important to obtain adequate amounts of Vitamin K through diet and not take supplements. In the case of severe bleeding, it is important to seek medical attention.
Blood clotting is a significant function of vitamin K. It is necessary for the production of clotting proteins called prothrombin. Prothrombin is a component of blood that becomes activated during coagulation. Blood clotting can cause significant blood loss if not properly regulated. People with blood clotting disorders may take warfarin to prevent blood clots, but they should still increase their intake of vitamin K-rich foods.
Increasing levels of Vitamin K may improve bone density, prevent cardiovascular disease, and improve the health of the skin. A recent study also found that vitamin K could reduce the risk of coronary artery calcification (CAD), which is a major predictor of heart disease. The study participants, who had significant pre-existing heart disease, were given 500 micrograms of vitamin K combined with a multivitamin daily for three years. The combined dose was more beneficial than vitamin K alone. Although the recommended amount of Vitamin K is highly dependent on age and other demographic factors, it is still important to maintain adequate levels of vitamin K in your diet.
Side Effects of Vitamin K
While vitamin K supplements are highly beneficial for people, they can also have dangerous side effects. Vitamin K supplements may interfere with certain medications and nutritional supplements. Additionally, taking vitamin K while pregnant or breastfeeding can cause an increase in blood clotting. For these reasons, it is vital to discuss the possible side effects with your physician. You can also choose to avoid vitamin K altogether if you have certain conditions. For instance, people who are currently on dialysis should not take vitamin K supplements.
Although Vitamin K is generally safe when taken as directed, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this vitamin. Your doctor can prescribe an appropriate dosage for you, and you should never stop taking Vitamin K without consulting your healthcare provider. The dose will vary depending on the condition you are treating. Always follow your physician’s instructions for best results. Vitamin K is very effective when used properly. Just remember not to take excessive amounts. Moreover, don’t try to take supplements on your own.
Anticoagulant drugs may interfere with vitamin K’s ability to prevent blood clotting. This may cause bleeding. Vitamin K may also interact with anticoagulants, which thin blood and prevent dangerous clotting. If you have a history of blood clots, consult your doctor. Vitamin K is necessary for the proper functioning of your body, but it shouldn’t be taken with medications that may interact with it. While anticoagulants are safe for most people, taking too much of it can have harmful side effects.
Signs of Deficiency
If you suspect that you have a vitamin K deficiency, you can have blood coagulation tests performed. High prothrombin time, or PT, is a sign of deficiency. The other blood markers for vitamin K deficiency, including fibrinogen and fibrin-split products, are normal. You may be receiving vitamin K injections to correct these blood markers. However, if your condition is exacerbated by liver disease, your prothrombin time will increase.
People with liver or pancreas problems or those who take certain medications may have a vitamin K deficiency. Deficiency is also common in people with certain health problems, including poor gut absorption and liver disease. However, if you notice any of these symptoms, you should seek medical advice immediately. Vitamin K deficiency can lead to bleeding uncontrollably. In such cases, vitamin K injections may be the only treatment. It is also important to include vitamin K-rich foods with high-quality fats.
A deficiency of vitamin K can affect clotting. It can result in impaired blood clotting and is characterized by a slow healing rate. The symptoms of vitamin K deficiency may appear as bleeding from the nose, stomach, or intestines. If left untreated, this condition can result in life-threatening bleeding. A vitamin K deficiency can also weaken bones.
Nutrition Source of Vitamin K
A nutrition source of Vitamin K is leafy green vegetables, soy, and animal products. Leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach contain high levels of this important vitamin. You can also find vitamin K in legumes and blueberries. These sources contain healthy fats that your body can absorb. To get the most benefit from these foods, eat them in moderation and consume them daily. You can also increase your daily vitamin K intake by adding a few tablespoons of nuts and seeds to your diet.
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that your body can absorb it more readily if it is found in foods rich in fat and oils. Vitamin K comes in two forms, phylloquinone and menaquinone. Vitamin K1 is found in leafy green vegetables, vegetable oils, and some fruits. Vitamin K2 is found in dairy products, fermented soy beans, and meat.
Menaquinones are mainly microbial in origin and are commonly found in fermented foods such as cheese, curds, and natto. Animal livers are also a source of long-chain menaquinones. Food composition tables include these sources, but their content may vary among populations. Some individuals synthesize menaquinones in their large intestine and colon. As such, menaquinones account for about half of the vitamin K you get from these foods.
Vitamin K Tips
The Swedish have some great vitamin K tips to keep you healthy! Traditionally, this vitamin is found in many foods, including fish, poultry, and dairy products. You can also get your Vitamin K from a bar called vantar pa plockas, which accounts for about 2% of the Swedish population’s daily intake. This tasty bar contains vitaminer, antioxidanter, and mineralamnen. It is also common to find it in kall mjolk, a traditional dish that is particularly popular in Sverige.
In addition to the food sources of vitamin K, drinking carrot juice can help you get more of it in your daily diet. A half-cup of carrot juice contains 27.4 micrograms of vitamin K, so it is a good idea to switch your morning orange juice to a carrot juice. You can also drink vitamin K-rich foods, like broccoli, in addition to fruits and vegetables. However, if you are not sure whether you’re getting enough vitamin K from your daily intake, check with your physician before adding any supplements to your diet.
If you are on a blood-thinning drug, your healthcare provider may advise you not to take vitamin K supplements. However, if your health care provider is satisfied with your current vitamin K levels, you can increase your intake of Vitamin K by taking a supplement. This is because certain types of blood thinners can interfere with vitamin K absorption. For example, vitamin K supplements may not be recommended for people who have severe gastrointestinal conditions such as cystic fibrosis.