Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin. The term for coagulation in German is where vitamin K gets its name (Koagulation).It is generally associated with blood clotting. Naturally occurring vitamin K comes in two forms: phylloquinone (K1) and menaquinone (K2). phylloquinone, along with fat-soluble vitamins D, E, and A, are part of the vast isoprenoid (terpenoid) family that also includes sterols and carotenoids.

While menaquinones are only very minimally present in a range of animal-based goods like fish oil and fermented foods, they are produced by the gut bacteria present in the intestines into various active forms and are stored in the liver and fatty tissues.

Functions of vitamin K

This is a necessary vitamin that serves a number of purposes in your body. Your body need an adequate amount of vitamin K in order to function effectively. It serves numerous roles, 5 of which are given here.

1.Helps in bold coagulation

This vitamin’s primary function is to facilitate blood coagulation. The liver must be able to manufacture prothrombin. Prothrombin, a component of blood that is normal, aids in blood clotting when it comes into contact with air.

2.Regulation of blood pressure

By avoiding arterial wall calcification and preserving blood pressure control, it helps the heart pump blood freely throughout the body and supports overall cardiac health.

3.Increase memory in older people

In a few cases,  this vitamin has been shown to help elderly people with their memory and cognitive function.

4.Aid in bone formation

A few proteins in the bone cell are activated by this vitamin through carboxylation. These proteins bind with calcium only in the presence of vitamin K.

5.Protection of neurons from oxidation

Moreover, it influences gene expression and shields neurons from oxidative damage. In addition, prenatal exposure to this vitamin the antagonist warfarin results in CNS abnormalities and mental retardation.

These findings raise the possibility this vitamin  has an unrecognized role in the development of the brain.

Sources of vitamin k

This is abundantly found in the green leafy vegetables. Green leafy vegetables are a key source of phylloquinone. Fermented dairy products are the primary sources of vitamin K2 in Western diets.

This vitamin can be found in many regularly consumed foods. It is also plentiful in vegetables and fruits, including spinach, broccoli, cabbage, kale, green peas, kiwi ,Asparagus, Green or scallion onion, Soybeans, Blueberry and avocado.

Additionally, grains and vegetable oils are rich sources of this vitamin. Foods with lower amounts include dairy and beef.

Recommended dietary allowance for vitamin K

Deficiency of vitamin K

In general, healthy people are not lacking in this vitamin. In most cases, diets contain enough amounts of this. However, it can occur in some diseases, such as celiac disease, when vitamin K insufficiency and fat malabsorption can be seen. A lack of this vitamin inhibits the clotting process, which can lead to excessive bleeding after an injury. This can be noticed in nosebleeds and bleeding gums.

Multiple studies indicate that vitamin K insufficiency is prevalent in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including those on dialysis. Heart disease is more common in those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Socioeconomically poor populations may be more likely to develop extra-hepatic vitamin K insufficiency, as they consume less vegetables and more processed foods.

Patients who get antibiotics during surgery are more prone to develop a deficiency of this. because the bacteria in the intestines that create the vitamin are eliminated.

Newborns are at high risk for vitamin K deficiency, especially if they did not receive the vitamin K injection at birth and are exclusively breastfed. Low levels of vitamin K can lead to bleeding disorders, which, if not treated, can result in fatal bleeding and potentially lead to death.

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Dietary Supplements and Toxicity

Increased dietary vitamin K consumption has no harmful effects. A high amount of this vitamin , however, may be dangerous if taken as a supplement, particularly for patients who are taking anticonvulsants. It is obvious that newborns who are given formula typically have it. Patients taking warfarin can safely take daily phylloquinone supplements of up to 100 μg, but daily doses of MK-7 as low as 10 to 20 μg may undermine therapeutic anticoagulant stability.

The occurrence of toxicity is evident through the presence of jaundice, hyperbilirubinemia, hemolytic anemia, and kernicterus in babies.

A vitamin K overdose can have adverse symptoms such as hemolytic anemia and jaundice. Kernicterus can result from jaundice in infants. Taking this vitamin as a supplement may help cardiovascular health.

In summary

Vitamin K is fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin K exists naturally in two forms: phylloquinone (vitamin K1) and a class of compounds known as menaquinones (K2). Lack of vitamin K leads to excessive bleeding; hence, newborn babies inject vitamin K to protect from inner skull bleeding.

This is abundantly found in the green leafy vegetables and fruits; hence, deficiency of this vitamin is so rare.

Low vitamin K levels may result in decreased bone mineral density and increased fracture rates. Adults with vitamin K insufficiency, particularly those on vitamin K antagonists, and those with liver disease. Individuals with disorders that promote fat malabsorption, such as inflammatory bowel disease and cystic fibrosis, may be more likely to develop vitamin K insufficiency.

So, maintain your vitamin K intake up, as vitamin K is abundant in vegetables and fruits, and prevent the associated health risks.