Vitamin K: Benefits and Side Effects

Sources of Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for blood clotting. Without vitamin K, our wounds would not heal. In some studies, vitamin has been found to maintain strong bones in elderly persons.

Foods high in vitamin K include cabbage, cauliflower, spinach and other green leafy vegetables. Cereals and soybeans contain high amounts of Vitamin K too. Vitamin K is also made by the bacteria lining the gastrointestinal tract.

It is very rare for people to lack in vitamin K, and it only happens when the body can’t properly absorb it from the intestinal tract. Vitamin K deficiency can also be caused by long-term treatment with antibiotics. You will know if you are deficient in Vitamin K if you are prone to bruising and bleeding.

How much Vitamin K do you need? Well, it depends on the person?s age, gender and physical condition (like pregnancy). The easiest way to get the Vitamin K you need is to eat more of the vegetables that contain vitamin K.

If you are taking any warfarin (a blood thinner), you should know this vital nutrient affects the way how that drug works. Ask your doctor how much vitamin K you should consume to avoid the affecting the performance or warfarin.