Should you take Vitamin K?

Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting, and bone metabolism. Low concentrations of Vitamin K are associated with lower bone mineral density, and increased risk of hip fracture. Vitamin K supplements have been shown to improve bone mass, in postmenopausal women. Vitamin K also prevents calcification of arteries, and other soft tissue. Researchers have also found that Vitamin K may play a role in the regulation of blood sugar. With all of these benefits, it leaves many people wondering if they should be taking Vitamin K.

This vitamin has been shown to have a wide range of uses in the body. Vitamin K has as its primary function, to regulate normal blood clotting. Vitamin K regulates normal blood clotting, by helping the body transport calcium. Therefore it becomes vital to have enough Vitamin K, in order to avoid bleeding out. Vitamin K supplements have also been found to improve bone health, and reduce the risk of bone fractures, particularly in postmenopausal women who are at the highest risk for osteoporosis. Vitamin K is also used to reduce the risk of bleeding in liver disease, jaundice, or in association with the long-term use of aspirin, or antibiotics. There are certain gastrointestinal problems that decrease the absorption of vitamin K, such as obstructions in the bile duct, cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease, colitis and medications that reduce the absorption of this vitamin, (such as antibiotics). Vitamin K has also been used in the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding, and with Vitamin C to treat morning sickness. New research has newborns are at risk for bleeding in the brain, because of the trauma of coming through the birth canal during delivery, being successfully treated with Vitamin K.

It is important to know the recommendations for Vitamin K. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for Vitamin K is 80 mg per day for adult males and 65 mg per day for adult females, and 5 mg/day for the newborn infant. It should be noted that the natural forms of Vitamin K that is found in foods, is only about half as potent compared to a synthetic version. This means that while adequate amount of Vitamin K can be obtained by consuming leafy green vegetables, on a regular basis.For many men and women (between 18 and 44 years) they may benefit from supplemental Vitamin K that is usually found in a multi-vitamin.

There are many sources of food that are heavy with Vitamin K.Some of these include:

• Broccoli


• Brussels sprouts


• Cabbage


• Cauliflower


• Kale


• Spinach


• Soybeans

While cooked dark green vegetables, (such as spinach, kale and broccoli), can provide more than one RDA in a single serving, and cow's milk is also a good source of the vitamin, it leaves the question-are you getting enough. For many people eating a completely healthy and balanced diet is difficult and time consuming. Vitamin supplements can help with this.
It should be noted that Vitamin K deficiency is very rare, and occurs most often when there is an inability to absorb the vitamin, from the intestinal tract. Vitamin K deficiency can also occur after prolonged treatment, with oral antibiotics. Prolonged use of antibiotics can also cause a low level of this vitamin, because they destroy some of the bacteria in the gut, that help to produce Vitamin K. Newborns are at the highest risk for vitamin K deficiency, while Vitamin K deficiency in adults is rare. It should be discussed and treated with your health care professional if you are at risk for Vitamin K deficiency. You doctor can then help you determine the correct amount of supplement that is necessary for your specific needs.