A series of vitamins collectively known as vitamin K. Vitamin K is good for the metabolism of bones, calcium level regulation in blood, and clotting of blood. Vitamin K benefits include supporting heart, brain, and bone health.
Prothrombin, which is a blood clotting factor that is most important for the clotting of blood, is produced with the help of vitamin K food sources. Patients taking anticoagulants like warfarin shouldn't start taking more vitamin K supplements without proper consultation.
Although the deficiency is uncommon, it can prolong the clotting time in extreme circumstances, which can cause hemorrhage and excessive bleeding. Vitamin K vegetables are mostly recommended for people suffering from these problems.
Flora provides phylloquinone, which is called vitamin K1. Vitamin K2, also known as menaquinone, is a less significant source and can be found in some fermented and animal-based foods. The best source of vitamin K are green vegetables.
Various Vitamin K sources and functions are discussed in detail in the below article.
Role of Vitamin K
When phylloquinone( vitamin K1) is consumed, it is transformed into vitamin K2 by microorganisms in the body. It enters the body and is absorbed before being deposited in the liver and fatty tissue.
Prothrombin is a clotting factor that plays an important role in blood clotting, and it cannot be produced by the body without the best sources of vitamin K.
Most individuals in developed countries are not at risk of an inadequate intake of vitamin K. Newborns, and people who have malabsorption issues are most likely to be affected.
A vitamin K injection is typically given to infants to prevent potentially fatal skull hemorrhage.
Age and gender affect the appropriate vitamin K consumption that is advised.
Vitamin K Benefits
According to several studies, the vitamin K benefits for your health may extend beyond your bones and blood. It might lessen morning sickness and safeguard mental capacity. Even the risk of death and cardiovascular disease may be decreased by vitamin K. Also recently discovered by researchers is a type of vitamin K that functions as an antioxidant and may hold the secret to preventing illnesses like Alzheimer's disease and others.
1. Facilitates Blood Clotting
The production of four of the 13 proteins required for blood clotting is one of vitamin K's most crucial functions. Blood clots stop the bleeding from your wounds or injuries so they can heal. The "K" is derived from the German and Danish words for clotting or coagulation, coagulation.
This is a crucial role of vitamin K. However, it also means that you must use caution. Without first consulting their doctor, people taking blood-thinning medications like the anticoagulant warfarin (Coumadin®) shouldn't use vitamin K supplements or ingest excessive doses of the vitamin. These drugs' effectiveness may be affected by vitamin K.
Most of the time, it's a matter of keeping consistent vitamin and prescription levels, according to Zumpano. "Sudden changes may result in life-threatening bleeding or blood clots.
2. Reinforces Bones
By aiding in the production of osteocalcin, which helps prevent low bone density, vitamin K fortifies your bones. It remains to be shown, though, if it can help treat or prevent bone issues.
According to several research, increasing your daily vitamin K vegetables consumption lowers your risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Doctors even prescribe vitamin K supplements to treat various bone diseases.
According to Zumpano, "a lot of other factors, like a deficiency in calcium and vitamin D, can affect bone health." Before we can definitely advise vitamin K supplements, we need more thorough research to establish the link.
3. Could Make Oral Health Better
Vitamin K is good for maintaining better oral health, according to researchers.
A 2023 evaluation of 4965 senior people came to the conclusion that frequent vitamin K administration along with modest fiber consumption was helpful in preventing tooth loss due to periodontal disease, especially in men.
There is obviously a need for further research because its effectiveness was not as obvious in the Black test subjects as it was in other populations.
Animal studies and the part vitamin K2 plays in bone metabolism lead us to believe that this nutrient also has an impact on oral health.
Osteocalcin is one of the key proteins that regulate tooth health which is triggered by vitamin K as osteocalcin stimulates the enamel, dentine and bone formation.
4. Possible Contribution to the Fight Against Cancer
In Western nations, cancer frequently causes fatalities.
There are numerous treatments for it, and the number of new cancer cases is continually increasing. The most crucial thing is to find preventative methods that work.
Interesting research has been conducted on the role of vitamin K and specific cancer types.
According to two previous clinical investigations, vitamin K2 prolongs life and decreases liver cancer recurrence.
High MK intake has, however, been associated with certain studies of a higher risk of breast cancer.
Before making any definitive claims, more high-quality studies are required.
5.Prevent Coronary Calcification
It has been demonstrated that the prevalence of coronary artery calcium (CAC) rises as kidney function deteriorates. Vitamin K insufficiency can be precipitated in as little as 7 days by diets deficient in the vitamin. Mainly vitamin K insufficiency is another prevalent condition in patients, particularly who are treated using warfarin. Higher intakes of vitamin K2 (menaquinone) have been linked to lower rates of coronary heart disease (CHD), CHD mortality, all-cause mortality, and severe aortic calcifications. With vitamin K1 ingestion, this was not demonstrated.
Therefore, vitamin K1 consumption from food alone may not be sufficient to prevent arterial calcifications. It has been assumed that vitamin K2 is more efficient than vitamin K1 in preventing calcification.
Vascular calcifications are linked to low vitamin K status, which is shown by undercarboxylated MGP, and these levels can be improved by efficient vitamin K supplements.
6. Improves Insulin Sensitivity
In a 3-year, 355-patient, double-blind, randomized experiment, another vitamin K benefit is that it dramatically increased insulin sensitivity in diabetic males. These findings may have been influenced by vitamin K's role in pancreatic beta-cell proliferation, insulin sensitivity, adiponectin generation, and improved glucose tolerance. Warfarin, a vitamin K inhibitor, might counteract these effects. In conclusion, vitamin K may enhance insulin sensitivity in diabetic males.
7. Vitamin K and Hemodialysis
29% of patients receiving haemodialysis also have a coexisting subclinical vitamin K insufficiency, according to research by Pilkey et al. Later, Cranenburg et al. reported subnormal values in 45% of the research participants while assessing the status and intake of vitamin K in such patients. Finally, vitamin K deficiency was discovered to be the best predictor of vertebral fractures in the recent VItamin K Italian (VIKI) dialysis research, occurring in 23.5% of patients (OR: 2.94; 95% CI 1.38 to 6.26).
According to additional research, in haemodialysis patients with low serum parathyroid hormone levels, vitamin k2 enhances bone metabolism. Menaquinone-7, a type of vitamin K2, is a nutrient that should be consumed in quantities of at least 200 mg per day to provide close to maximum protection against cancer, osteoporosis, and vascular calcification.
Vitamin K Food Sources
While some of these individuals might want to think about taking vitamin K supplements, most adults don't need to. Vitamin K may be produced by the bacteria in our guts (intestines), and since our bodies also recycle vitamin K, deficiencies are rare, according to Zeratsky.
Those who still require more nutrient intake can do so organically by consuming the correct meals. Vitamin K food sources are Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, as well as fruits like kiwi, avocado, and blackberries containing vitamin K and meat. It is advised to think about diet before taking vitamin K supplements, according to experts.
