Table of Contents
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is available in two forms. The primary type is called phylloquinone, found in green leafy veggies like collard greens, kale, and spinach. The other type, menaquinones, are found in some animal foods and fermented foods. Menaquinones can also be produced by germs in the body.
Vitamin K helps to make numerous proteins that are required for blood clot and the building of bones. Prothrombin is a vitamin K-dependent protein straight included with blood clot. Osteocalcin is another protein that needs vitamin K to produce healthy bone tissue.
Vitamin K is found throughout the body including the liver, brain, heart, pancreas, and bone. It is broken down very rapidly and excreted in urine or stool. Because of this, it seldom reaches harmful levels in the body even with high consumptions, as might in some cases accompany other fat-soluble vitamins. [1]
Why do people take vitamin K?
Low levels of vitamin K can raise the threat of unrestrained bleeding. While vitamin K shortages are unusual in grownups, they are extremely common in newborn infants. A single injection of vitamin K for babies is standard. Vitamin K is also used to counteract an overdose of the blood thinner Coumadin.
While vitamin K deficiencies are unusual, you might be at greater threat if you:.
Have an illness that affects absorption in the digestive system, such as Crohn’s disease or active celiac disease.
- Take drugs that disrupt vitamin K absorption
- Are badly malnourished
- Drink alcohol heavily
- In these cases, a healthcare company may suggest vitamin K supplements.
Uses of vitamin K for cancer, for the symptoms of early morning sickness, for the removal of spider veins, and for other conditions are unproven. Find out more about vitamins k2 and d3 along with which foods pack the greatest amount. [2]
Overview
Vitamin K can be found in a range of various forms, referred to as vitamers. Kinds of vitamin K are either phylloquinones (vitamin K1) or menaquinones (vitamin K2). There are various vitamers within the vitamin K2 class, abbreviated as MK-x.
The minimum efficient dose for phylloquinone (vitamin K1) is 50mcg, which is enough to please the Recommended Daily Consumption (RDI) for vitamin K. The maximum dose for vitamin K1 is 1,000 mcg.
The minimum effective dose for short chain menaquinones (MK-4) is 1,500 mcg. Dosages of approximately 45mg (45,000 mcg) have been securely utilized in a superloading dosing procedure.
The minimum effective dose for longer chain menaquinones (MK-7, MK-8, and MK-9) is in between 90-360mcg. Further research is needed to determine the maximum reliable dose for MK-7.
A topical application of vitamin K need to contain a minimum of 5% phylloquinone.
Vitamin K must be supplemented along with fatty acids, even if the vitamin is originating from a plant-based source, so think about taking vitamin K at meal time. Microwaving plant-based sources of vitamin K will increase the absorption rate of the vitamin. [3]
Which foods include vitamin K?
Vitamin K is a group of compounds divided into 2 groups– K1 (phylloquinone) and K2 (menaquinone).
Vitamin K1, the most typical form, is mainly discovered in plant foods, specifically dark leafy greens. K2, on the other hand, is just found in animal foods and fermented plant foods, such as natto.
The following 20 foods are excellent sources of vitamin K.
1. Kale (prepared)– 443% of the DV per serving
1/2 cup: 531 mcg (443% of the DV).
100 grams: 817 mcg (681% of the DV).
2. Mustard greens (cooked)– 346% of the DV per serving
1/2 cup: 415 mcg (346% of the DV).
100 grams: 593 mcg (494% of the DV).
3. Swiss chard (raw)– 332% of the DV per serving
1 leaf: 398 mcg (332% of the DV).
100 grams: 830 mcg (692% of the DV).
4. Collard greens (prepared)– 322% of the DV per serving
1/2 cup: 386 mcg (322% of the DV).
100 grams: 407 mcg (339% of the DV).
5. Natto– 261% of the DV per serving
1 ounce: 313 mcg (261% of the DV).
100 grams: 1,103 mcg (920% of the DV).
6. Spinach (raw)– 121% of the DV per serving
1 cup: 145 mcg (121% of the DV).
100 grams: 483 mcg (402% of the DV).
7. Broccoli (cooked)– 92% of the DV per serving
1/2 cup: 110 mcg (92% of the DV).
100 grams: 141 mcg (118% of the DV).
8. Brussels sprouts (cooked)– 91% of the DV per serving
1/2 cup: 109 mcg (91% of the DV).
100 grams: 140 mcg (117% of the DV).
9. Beef liver– 60% of the DV per serving
1 piece: 72 mcg (60% of the DV).
100 grams: 106 mcg (88% of the DV).
10. Pork chops– 49% of the DV per serving
3 ounces: 59 mcg (49% of the DV).
100 grams: 69 mcg (57% of the DV).
11. Chicken– 43% of the DV per serving
3 ounces: 51 mcg (43% of the DV).
100 grams: 60 mcg (50% of the DV).
12. Goose liver paste– 40% of the DV per serving
1 tablespoon: 48 mcg (40% of the DV).
100 grams: 369 mcg (308% of the DV).
13. Green beans (prepared)– 25% of the DV per serving
1/2 cup: 30 mcg (25% of the DV).
100 grams: 48 mcg (40% of the DV).
14. Prunes– 24% of the DV per serving
5 pieces: 28 mcg (24% of the DV).
100 grams: 60 mcg (50% of the DV).
15. Kiwi– 23% of the DV per serving
1 fruit: 28 mcg (23% of the DV).
100 grams: 40 mcg (34% of the DV).
16. Soybean oil– 21% of the DV per serving
1 tablespoon: 25 mcg (21% of the DV).
100 grams: 184 mcg (153% of the DV).
17. Hard cheeses– 20% of the DV per serving
1 ounce: 25 mcg (20% of the DV).
100 grams: 87 mcg (72% of the DV).
18. Avocado– 18% of the DV per serving
Half of a fruit, medium: 21 mcg (18% of the DV).
100 grams: 21 mcg (18% of the DV).
19. Green peas (prepared)– 17% of the DV per serving
1/2 cup: 21 mcg (17% of the DV).
100 grams: 26 mcg (22% of the DV).
20. Soft cheeses– 14% of the DV per serving
1 ounce: 17 mcg (14% of the DV).
100 grams: 59 mcg (49% of the DV).
3 more veggies high in vitamin K
The best sources of vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) are dark, leafy green veggies. In fact, the prefix “phyllo” in this vitamin’s name describes leaves.
1. Beet greens (cooked)– 290% of the DV per serving
1/2 cup: 349 mcg (290% of the DV).
100 grams: 484 mcg (403% of the DV).
2. Parsley (fresh)– 137% of the DV per serving
1 sprig: 164 mcg (137% of the DV).
100 grams: 1,640 mcg (1,367% of the DV).
3. Cabbage (prepared)– 68% of the DV per serving
1/2 cup: 82 mcg (68% of the DV).
100 grams: 109 mcg (91% of the DV).
6 more meat items high in vitamin K
Fatty meats and liver are exceptional sources of vitamin K2, though the content differs by the animal’s diet and may differ between areas or producers. Keep in mind that research on the vitamin K2 material of animal foods is incomplete.
1. Bacon– 25% of the DV per serving
3 ounces: 30 mcg (25% of the DV).
100 grams: 35 mcg (29% of the DV).
2. Hamburger– 7% of the DV per serving
3 ounces: 8 mcg (7% of the DV).
100 grams: 9.4 mcg (8% of the DV).
3. Pork liver– 6% of the DV per serving
3 ounces: 6.6 mcg (6% of the DV).
100 grams: 7.8 mcg (7% of the DV).
4. Duck breast– 4% of the DV per serving
3 ounces: 4.7 mcg (4% of the DV).
100 grams: 5.5 mcg (5% of the DV).
5. Beef kidneys– 4% of the DV per serving
3 ounces: 4.9 mcg (4% of the DV).
100 grams: 5.7 mcg (5% of the DV).
6. Chicken liver– 3% of the DV per serving
1 ounce: 3.6 mcg (3% of the DV).
100 grams: 13 mcg (11% of the DV).
9 more dairy foods and eggs high in vitamin K
Dairy foods and eggs are good sources of vitamin K2.
Like meat, their vitamin material depends upon the animal’s diet, and specific worths may differ by area or producer.
1. Jarlsberg cheese– 19% of the DV per serving
1 slice: 22 mcg (19% of the DV).
100 grams: 80 mcg (66% of the DV).
2. Soft cheeses– 14% of the DV per serving
1 ounce: 17 mcg (14% of the DV).
100 grams: 59 mcg (49% of the DV).
3. Edam cheese– 11% of the DV per serving
1 slice: 13 mcg (11% of the DV).
100 grams: 49 mcg (41% of the DV).
4. Blue cheese– 9% of the DV per serving
1 ounce: 10 mcg (9% of the DV).
100 grams: 36 mcg (30% of the DV).
5. Egg yolk– 5% of the DV per serving
1 large: 5.8 mcg (5% of the DV).
100 grams: 34 mcg (29% of the DV).
6. Cheddar– 3% of the DV per serving
1 ounce: 3.7 mcg (3% of the DV).
100 grams: 13 mcg (11% of the DV).
7. Whole milk– 3% of the DV per serving
1 cup: 3.2 mcg (3% of the DV).
100 grams: 1.3 mcg (1% of the DV).
8. Butter– 2% of the DV per serving
1 tablespoon: 3 mcg (2% of the DV).
100 grams: 21 mcg (18% of the DV).
9. Cream– 2% of the DV per serving
2 tablespoons: 2.7 mcg (2% of the DV).
100 grams: 9 mcg (8% of the DV).
7 more fruits high in vitamin K
Fruits normally do not include as much vitamin K1 as leafy green veggies, but a couple of offer good quantities.
1. Blackberries– 12% of the DV per serving
1/2 cup: 14 mcg (12% of the DV).
100 grams: 20 mcg (17% of the DV).
2. Blueberries– 12% of the DV per serving
1/2 cup: 14 mcg (12% of the DV).
100 grams: 19 mcg (16% of the DV).
3. Pomegranate– 12% of the DV per serving
1/2 cup: 14 mcg (12% of the DV).
100 grams: 16 mcg (14% of the DV).
4. Figs (dried)– 6% of the DV per serving
5 pieces: 6.6 mcg (6% of the DV).
100 grams: 16 mcg (13% of the DV).
5. Tomatoes (sun-dried)– 4% of the DV per serving
5 pieces: 4.3 mcg (4% of the DV).
100 grams: 43 mcg (36% of the DV).
6. Grapes– 3% of the DV per serving
10 grapes: 3.5 mcg (3% of the DV).
100 grams: 15 mcg (12% of the DV).
7. Red currants– 3% of the DV per serving
1 ounce: 3.1 mcg (3% of the DV).
100 grams: 11 mcg (9% of the DV).
8 more nuts and legumes high in vitamin K
Some beans and nuts provide good amounts of vitamin K1 but generally much less than leafy greens.
1. Soybeans (cooked)– 13% of the DV per serving
1/2 cup: 16 mcg (13% of the DV).
100 grams: 33 mcg (28% of the DV).
2. Sprouted mung beans (prepared)– 12% of the DV per serving
1/2 cup: 14 mcg (12% of the DV).
100 grams: 23 mcg (19% of the DV).
3. Cashews– 8% of the DV per serving
1 ounce: 9.7 mcg (8% of the DV).
100 grams: 34 mcg (28% of the DV).
4. Red kidney beans (prepared)– 6% of the DV per serving
1/2 cup: 7.4 mcg (6% of the DV).
100 grams: 8.4 mcg (7% of the DV).
5. Hazelnuts– 3% of the DV per serving
1 ounce: 4 mcg (3% of the DV).
100 grams: 14 mcg (12% of the DV).
6. Pine nuts– 1% of the DV per serving
10 nuts: 0.9 mcg (1% of the DV).
100 grams: 54 mcg (45% of the DV).
7. Pecans– 1% of the DV per serving
1 ounce: 1 mcg (1% of the DV).
100 grams: 3.5 mcg (3% of the DV).
8. Walnuts– 1% of the DV per serving
1 ounce: 0.8 mcg (1% of the DV).
100 grams: 2.7 mcg (2% of the DV) [4]
Chemistry
Vitamin K and its derivatives include a 2-methyl-1,4- naphthoquinone nucleus with a lipophilic side chain (figure 1). The structure is similar to warfarin and other coumarin-like anticoagulants, which function as vitamin K antagonists. Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) has a phytyl side chain. Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) has a number of types, each with an isoprenoid side chain, designated MK-4 (or menatetrenone) through MK-13 according to the length of the side chain. The most common kind of menaquinone has four residues (MK-4).
Metabolic process
Vitamin K absorption requires undamaged pancreatic and biliary function and fat absorptive systems. Dietary vitamin K is protein-bound and is liberated by the proteolytic action of pancreatic enzymes in the small intestine. Bile salts then solubilize vitamin K into combined micelles for absorption into enterocytes, where it is included into chylomicrons, thereby assisting in absorption into the intestinal lymphatics and portal flow for transport to the liver. In the liver it is repackaged into very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). It circulates in small quantities bound to lipoprotein.
Vitamin K: 5 scientifically proven benefits
Promotes blood clotting
You most likely think of blood cells or platelets when clotting is discussed, however vitamin K is in fact essential to this process that keeps you from excessive bleeding at even the tiniest of injuries.
K plays an essential role in the creation of pro-blood clotting proteins called aspects II (prothrombin), VII, IX, and X, and anticoagulant (anti-blood clotting) proteins known as proteins C, S, and Z.
However even though this process is necessary, some individuals clot too easily. Some blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin (brand Coumadin), work by annoying the action of vitamin K.
Because of this, it is incredibly important that individuals on warfarin keep their vitamin K levels stable. That indicates enjoying their vitamin K intake throughout the time they’re taking warfarin and getting regular blood checks done.
Avoid osteoporosis and support strong bones
However wait, isn’t that calcium and vitamin D? That’s the Destiny’s Kid circumstance at play. There are really vitamin K-dependent proteins needed for appropriate bone health.
This fat-soluble vitamin needs to be present for an enzyme called gamma-glutamyl carboxylase to make the protein osteocalcin work, through a procedure called carboxylation, which is required for bone development (Beulens, 2013).
In spite of its important function in managing bone metabolism, it’s unclear whether vitamin K can reduce the risk of bone fractures. Past research has recommended that getting enough vitamin K can assist avoid bone loss and decrease hip fractures in older men and women (Hamidi, 2013).
Bone health
And research done particularly on postmenopausal women with osteoporosis has revealed prospective take advantage of K2 supplements. But a meta-analysis discovered that vitamin K might assist with bone mineral density in some physical locations, however not others (Fang, 2011; Iwamoto, 2014).
More work needs to be done to clarify the relationship and see if supplementing with the Ks could assist avoid fractures, specifically those at the hip.
May enhance memory in older adults
Vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDP) that require the consumption of vitamin K to operate effectively do not just affect your bone modeling, however.
The VKDPs not associated with bone development or blood clotting are involved with the metabolic process of sphingolipids, a class of lipids typically discovered in brain cell membranes that are included with cellular occasions.
Changes in sphingolipid metabolism have been related to not just age-related cognitive decrease however likewise neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s (Ferland, 2012).
Recent research study suggests that vitamin K antagonists, which are utilized as anticoagulants, might have a negative impact on visual memory, verbal fluency, and brain volume. However it doesn’t appear to enter simply one direction (Alisi, 2019).
Higher vitamin K levels, specifically phylloquinone (K1), are related to improved spoken episodic memory, though no distinction was observed with non-verbal episodic memory (Presse, 2013).
Keep blood pressure down
Getting a sufficient consumption of vitamin K may also be important to your heart health due to the fact that it might have the ability to help avoid hypertension (abnormally high blood pressure) and lower your risk of heart disease (more on that in a second).
Low vitamin D and K status have been connected to hypertension with boosts in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Like D, vitamin K communicates closely with calcium in your body, in this case, helping to control the levels of this mineral in your blood (Ballegooijen, 2017).
Vascular calcification– a process in which minerals like calcium are transferred in blood vessels, obstructing blood flow with time– prevails as we age. However getting the appropriate quantity of vitamin K might help avoid mineralization, staving off this procedure and keeping high blood pressure lower.
Lower danger of heart disease
Your threat of a cardiovascular event is carefully related to the calcification of your capillary.
In fact, one meta-analysis that took a look at 30 research studies discovered a 300– 400 percent increase in your risk of cardiovascular events with the presence of calcification on any arterial wall (Rennenberg, 2009).
But higher blood levels of the K1 kind of vitamin K are associated with a lower danger of heart disease. [6]
What is Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding?
Vitamin K shortage bleeding or VKDB, takes place when infants can not stop bleeding since their blood does not have enough Vitamin K to form a clot. The bleeding can occur anywhere on the within or beyond the body. When the bleeding happens inside the body, it can be hard to see. Commonly, a child with VKDB will bleed into his or her intestinal tracts, or into the brain, which can cause mental retardation and even death. Infants who do not get the vitamin K shot at birth can develop VKDB at any time as much as 6 months of age. There are three kinds of VKDB, based on the age of the infant when the bleeding issues start: early, classical and late. More information about these types is included below.
Why are babies more likely to have vitamin K shortage and to get VKDB?
All babies, regardless of sex, race, or ethnic background, are at higher threat for VKDB up until they start consuming routine foods, normally at age 4-6 months, and until the regular digestive tract bacteria start making vitamin K. This is due to the fact that:
At birth, infants have extremely little vitamin K stored in their bodies since only percentages pass to them through the placenta from their moms.
The good germs that produce vitamin K are not yet present in the newborn’s intestines.
Breast milk includes low amounts of vitamin K, so exclusively breastfed infants do not get enough vitamin K from the breast milk, alone.
What can I do to prevent my baby from getting vitamin K shortage and VKDB?
Fortunately is that VKDB is quickly avoided by providing children a vitamin K shot into a muscle in the thigh. One shot offered just after birth will secure your infant from VKDB. In order to attend to instant bonding and contact between the newborn and mother, providing the vitamin K shot can be postponed approximately 6 hours after birth.
Is the Vitamin K shot safe?
Yes. Lots of studies have shown that vitamin K is safe when given to newborns. For additional information about the safety of the vitamin K shot, please see our frequently asked question’s.
What might cause infants to be deficient in vitamin K and have bleeding issues?
Some things can put infants at a higher threat for establishing VKDB. Children at greater risk consist of:
- Children who do not get a vitamin K chance at birth. The risk is even greater if they are solely breastfed.
- Infants whose moms utilized particular medications, like isoniazid or medicines to deal with seizures. These drugs disrupt how the body uses vitamin K.
- Infants who have liver disease; frequently they can not utilize the vitamin K their body shops.
- Infants who have diarrhea, celiac illness, or cystic fibrosis frequently have trouble soaking up vitamins, consisting of vitamin K, from the foods they consume.
How frequently are babies impacted with vitamin K shortage bleeding?
Given that infants can be affected until they are 6 months old, doctor divide VKDB into three types; early, classical and late. The chart listed below helps explain these 3 various types.
Early and classical VKDB are more typical, occurring in 1 in 60 to 1 in 250 babies, although the threat is much higher for early VKDB amongst those infants whose moms utilized specific medications throughout the pregnancy.
Late VKDB is rarer, happening in 1 in 14,000 to 1 in 25,000 infants (1– 3).
Babies who do not receive a vitamin K shot at birth are 81 times most likely to establish late VKDB than babies who do get a vitamin K chance at birth. [7]
Reasons For Vitamin K Shortage
Vitamin K shortage can arise from the following:
- Lack of vitamin K in the diet plan
- A very low fat diet plan because vitamin K is finest soaked up when consumed with some fat
- Conditions that hinder fat absorption and that hence reduce the absorption of vitamin K (such as obstruction of the bile ducts or cystic fibrosis)
- Particular drugs, consisting of antiseizure drugs, and some antibiotics
- Usage of large quantities of mineral oil, which may reduce the absorption of vitamin K
Newborns are prone to vitamin K deficiency because of the following:
- Only small amounts of vitamin K pass from the mom to the fetus during pregnancy.
- Throughout the very first few days after birth, the newborn’s intestine has actually not yet obtained germs to produce vitamin K.
Symptoms of Vitamin K Shortage
The main sign of vitamin K shortage is bleeding (hemorrhage)– into the skin (causing bruises), from the nose, from a wound, in the stomach, or in the intestine. Often bleeding in the stomach triggers vomiting with blood. Blood might be seen in the urine or stool, or stools may be tarry black.
In newborns, lethal bleeding within or around the brain may occur.
Having a liver condition increases the risk of bleeding, since thickening aspects are made in the liver.
Vitamin K deficiency may also weaken bones.
Medical Diagnosis of Vitamin K Deficiency
Blood tests
Physicians suspect vitamin K shortage when abnormal bleeding takes place in people with conditions that put them at risk.
Blood tests to measure how quickly embolism are done to help confirm the medical diagnosis. Understanding just how much vitamin K people take in helps medical professionals translate outcomes of these blood tests. In some cases the vitamin K level in the blood is measured.
Treatment of Vitamin K Deficiency
A vitamin K injection in the muscle is suggested for all newborns to lower the risk of bleeding within the brain after shipment.
If vitamin K deficiency is diagnosed, vitamin K is generally taken by mouth or offered by injection under the skin. If a drug is the cause, the dosage of the drug is changed or extra vitamin K is provided. [8]
Side Effects
Together with its needed results, a medication might trigger some unwanted effects. Although not all of these negative effects may happen, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Consult your medical professional as soon as possible if any of the following negative effects take place:.
Less typical
- Reduced cravings
- decreased movement or activity
- difficulty in breathing
- enlarged liver
- basic body swelling
- irritability
- muscle stiffness
- paleness
- yellow eyes or skin
Rare
- Problem in swallowing
- quick or irregular breathing
- lightheadedness or fainting
- shortness of breath
- skin rash, hives and/or itching
- swelling of eyelids, face, or lips
- tightness in chest
- troubled breathing and/or wheezing
Unusual
- Blue color or flushing or soreness of skin
- lightheadedness
- quick and/or weak heartbeat
- increased sweating
- low high blood pressure (temporary)
Some side effects may occur that usually do not require medical attention. These adverse effects may disappear during treatment as your body gets used to the medicine. Likewise, your healthcare specialist may have the ability to tell you about methods to prevent or lower a few of these adverse effects. Check with your healthcare expert if any of the following negative effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:.
- Less typical
- Flushing of face
- redness, discomfort, or swelling at place of injection
- skin lesions at location of injection (rare)
- uncommon taste
Opposite results not noted may likewise happen in some patients. If you observe any other results, check with your health care professional. [9]
Possible Interactions
If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you need to not take vitamin K without very first talking to your healthcare service provider.
Antibiotics– Antibiotics, particularly those called cephalosporins, decrease the absorption of vitamin K in the body. Using them for more than 10 days might reduce levels of vitamin K because these drugs kill not only harmful germs but also the germs that make vitamin K. People who currently have low levels of vitamin K, such as those who are malnourished, senior, or taking warfarin (Coumadin) are at higher risk. Cephalosporins include:.
- Cefamandole (Mandol)
- Cefoperazone (Cefobid)
- Cefmetazole (Zefazone)
- Cefotetan (Cefotan)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)– Phenytoin disrupts the body’s capability to use vitamin K. Taking anticonvulsants (such as phenytoin) during pregnancy or while breastfeeding might reduce vitamin K in newborns.
Warfarin (Coumadin)– Vitamin K blocks the results of the blood-thinning medication warfarin, so that it doesn’t work. You need to not take vitamin K, or eat foods including high amounts of vitamin K, while you are taking warfarin. Talk with your physician for specific dietary standards.
Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) and Olestra– Orlistat, a medication utilized for weight-loss, and olestra, a substance contributed to some foods, lowers the quantity of fat you body can absorb. Since vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, these medications might likewise reduce levels of vitamin K. The Food and Drug Administration now needs that vitamin K and other fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, and E) be contributed to food consisting of olestra. Medical professionals who prescribe orlistat typically recommend taking a multivitamin with these vitamins. If you must not be taking vitamin K, then you should avoid foods that contain olestra.
Cholesterol-lowering medications– Bile acid sequestrants, used to minimize cholesterol, minimize how much fat your body absorbs and may likewise reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. If you take among these drugs, your physician might advise a vitamin K supplement:.
- Cholestyramine (Questran)
- Colestipol (Colestid)
- Colsevelam (Welchol) [10]
Risks
No tolerable ceiling has actually been identified for vitamin K. Toxicity is uncommon and not likely to result from eating foods containing vitamin K.
Nevertheless, taking any kind of supplement can cause toxicity.
Vitamin K can interact with a number of typical medications, including blood-thinners, anticonvulsants, antibiotics, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and weight-loss drugs.
Blood thinners, such as warfarin are utilized to prevent harmful blood clots that might block blood circulation to the brain or heart. They work by reducing or delaying vitamin K’s clotting ability. Suddenly increasing or reducing vitamin K intake can interfere with the results of these drugs. Keeping vitamin K consumption constant from day to day can avoid these issues.
Anticonvulsants, if taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, can increase the danger of vitamin K deficiency in a fetus or a newborn. Examples of anticonvulsants are phenytoin and dilantin.
Cholesterol-lowering medications disrupt fat absorption. Dietary fat is essential for soaking up vitamin K, so individuals who are taking this medication might have a greater danger of deficiency.
Anyone who is taking any of these medications need to talk to their medical professional about their vitamin K intake.
The best method to ensure the body has enough nutrients is to consume a balanced diet plan, with plenty of vegetables and fruit. Supplements ought to just be used in case of deficiency, and after that, under medical supervision. [11]
Conclusion
Vitamins are substances that your body needs to grow and develop normally. Vitamin K assists your body by making proteins for healthy bones and tissues. It likewise makes proteins for blood clot. If you don’t have sufficient vitamin K, you might bleed excessive.
Babies have extremely little vitamin K. They normally get a shot of vitamin K soon after they are born.
If you take blood thinners, you need to be careful about how much vitamin K you get. You likewise need to be cautious about taking vitamin E supplements. Vitamin E can interfere with how vitamin K operates in your body. Ask your health care provider for suggestions about these vitamins.
There are different types of vitamin K. Most people get vitamin K from plants such as green vegetables, and dark berries. Bacteria in your intestines also produce small amounts of another kind of vitamin K. [12]
References
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-k/
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/supplement-guide-vitamin-k
- https://examine.com/supplements/vitamin-k/#how-to-take
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-high-in-vitamin-k
- https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-vitamin-k
- https://ro.co/health-guide/vitamin-k-benefits/
- https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/vitamink/facts.html
- https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/disorders-of-nutrition/vitamins/vitamin-k-deficiency
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/vitamin-k-class-oral-route-parenteral-route/side-effects/drg-20069592
- https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/vitamin-k
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219867#risks
- https://medlineplus.gov/vitamink.html
