Vitamin K: role and benefits for the body

Vitamin K plays an important role in the body by helping in blood clotting. This means that it helps stop bleeding by activating proteins involved in blood clotting.

Vitamin K is also important for bone health. It helps in the production of proteins necessary for bone formation and to maintain it in good health.

In addition to these important roles in blood clotting and bone health, vitamin K may also have benefits for heart health by regulating blood flow and helping to prevent plaque buildup in blood vessels.

There are two main forms of vitamin K: vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K2 (menaquinones). Vitamin K1 is mainly found in green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli, while vitamin K2 is produced by intestinal bacteria and can also be found in certain animal foods and fermented products such as liver, eggs and cheese.

It is important to consume enough vitamin K to maintain overall body health. Vitamin K deficiencies are rare, but may be more common in people with intestinal malabsorption, long-term use of blood thinners, or diets low in vitamin K.

Vitamin K requirements vary with age, sex, and general health. The recommended doses of vitamin K for adults are as follows:

  • Adults (18 years and over): about 120 micrograms per day for women and about 130 micrograms per day for men.

It is important to note that vitamin K requirements may vary depending on each individual’s dietary habits and lifestyle. Foods rich in vitamin K include green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and collard greens, as well as certain dairy products and fermented foods such as liver, eggs and cheese.

It is generally unlikely to consume excessive amounts of vitamin K from food alone, but it is important to consult a physician or dietitian before taking vitamin K supplements if you are also taking blood thinners, as these medications may interact with vitamin K.

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