What is Vitamin K? What are the benefits of Vitamin K?

 

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is vital to essential body functions. Vitamin K is a multitasking nutrient with a wide range of responsibilities. It plays a vital role in promoting bone health by building strong bones. Additionally, it's essential in blood clotting, facilitating the healing of injuries. Vitamin K is necessary for optimal bone density, reducing the risk of fractures. It also supports bone health, especially in older adults. Although, It is often known for its work in blood clotting but has many other health benefits.

 

Health benefits of Vitamin K

 

Blood clotting:

Vitamin K is essential for synthesizing blood clotting factors. Which are necessary to form blood clots and prevent excessive bleeding. It activates proteins that prevent clots, ensures proper wound healing, and reduces the risk of hemorrhage.

 

Bone health:

Vitamin K is often involved in the production of osteocalcin. Which is a protein that assists in the mineralization of bone tissue.

 

Cardiovascular health:

Research suggests that vitamin K may play a role in promoting cardiovascular health. It helps in regulating calcium metabolism. Plus prevents calcium blockage in arteries and blood vessels. Which can lead to arterial calcification and increase the risk of heart disease.

 

Cognitive function:

Some studies have indicated a potential link between vitamin K and cognitive function. Vitamin K supports brain health and cognitive processes such as memory and attention.

 

Anti-inflammatory effects:

Vitamin K possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is often associated with various health conditions. This includes cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and certain cancers. Vitamin K's anti-inflammatory effects may contribute to wellness and disease prevention.

 

Antioxidant activity:

Vitamin K is an antioxidant. Their role is to protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. This antioxidant activity helps maintain your health and well-being. Plus maintains the integrity of cells throughout the body. It also supports well-being and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

 

Potential cancer prevention:

Some studies suggest that vitamin K, particularly vitamin K2, may have anticancer properties. Research showed some promising results in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. Plus reduces the risk of certain types of cancer, such as liver and prostate cancer. But, further investigation is necessary to confirm these findings.

 

How much vitamin K do I need?

Vitamin K is essential for human health. You can take this in this ratio (1 microgram per day) by each kilogram of your body weight. You can also consult your doctor to determine if you need to have vitamin K or not. If so, then how much amount will you need to start with?

Let's say you have 30 kgs; then you would need 60 micrograms daily of vitamin K. You can consume the vitamin K you need through a healthy and balanced diet.

 

Importance of vitamin K

Though all vitamins help maintain a good lifestyle, not taking any of them can be risky. such as low levels of vitamin K, can put humans at excessive bleeding risk. Vitamin K deficiencies are not very common in adults but in infants and babies. This is quite crucial for babies to get K injections in time.

 

While vitamin K deficiencies are rare, you may be at higher risk if you:

• are diagnosed with a health issue that affects absorption in the digestive tract. It could be Crohn's disease or active celiac disease.


• are on drugs or addicted to drug-based edibles, which interferes with Vit K absorption.


• are malnourished


• consume alcohol or nicotine

If you are in these cases, a healthcare provider might suggest vitamin K supplements. You can also consult your doctor in these cases and explain your problem.

Here's an important note:

There are still not enough research and experiment-based studies that prove the uses of vitamin K as an authentic treatment for cancer. Not only this but there's no evidence for Vitamin K as a treatment for removing spider veins or for the symptoms of morning sickness. You can consult online physician and learn more about your conditions.

 

Sources of vitamin K

There are many good sources of vitamin K, but we can find Vitamin K in grains and cereals - green vegetables!

Vitamin K belongs to a group of other mixed compounds. Among all these, 2 compounds are crucial for human health. The one is K1, and the second is K2! Vitamin K2 is present in meat, cheese, and eggs, while K1 is in green vegetables.

 

It's important to note that vitamin K is available in two primary forms:

 

1- First is - Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) found in leafy green vegetables.

2- Second is - Vitamin K2 (menaquinone), produced by gut bacteria and present in fermented foods.

 

While deficiencies are rare, individuals taking anticoagulant medications or with certain health conditions should book an appointment with a medical specialist before changing their vitamin K intake.