Vitamin K

What is Vitamin K?

Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin, whose primary job is to form a protein called prothrombin in the liver, which is necessary for the coagulation of the blood.  This is an extremely important function as it is routinely given to newborns to prevent bleeding.

Health benefits of Vitamin K

~ treats bleeding problems in people taking anticoagulant medicines

~ can help prevent cerebal palsy

~ helps treat celiac disease and cystic fibrosis

~ protects against cancer-causing agents

Food Sources for Vitamin K

~ alfalfa

~ turnip greens

~ cooked broccoli and spinach

~ asparagus

~ cabbage

~ rolled oats

~ watercress

~ egg yolks

~ tomatos

Deficiency and Overdose

A Vitamin K deficiency is very unlikely because it naturally occurs in the body.  It is produced in the intestines of our body by intestinal bacteria.  The average daily diet provides two or three times the needed amount.  Infants sometimes have undeveloped intestinal bacteria, so they are at high risk for a deficiency.  If an infant is Vitamin K deficient, the symptoms would be feeding problems, vomiting blood, and abnormal growth.

Sufferers from chronic diarrhea or ulcerative colitis are also at risk for a deficiency because of the interference with the absorption of the vitamin.  Other people who could be at risk for a deficiency are people suffering from cancer, people taking antibiotics, chronic users of aspirin or antacids, and people taking anticoagulants.  Deficiency symptoms would be abnormal nosebleeds, blood in the urine, and spontaneous bruises.

Since Vitamin K is produced naturally in the body, there is no way to overdose.  However, it is possible to reach toxic levels if taking prescribed or synthetic K.  Then, if a toxic level is reached, you could experience a flushing of the face and very rarely experience damage to the liver.

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