Most of us are aware of Vitamin A, B, C, D and E. But do you know there is Vitamin K as well?  Yes there is Vitamin K which is an essential vitamin for our body.

Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin is founded by Henrick Dam in 1934. It is also referred as antihemorrhagic factor or coagulation vitamin which has been derived from the Danish word Koagulations.

It is available in two forms

Vitamin K_1, also known as phylloquinone, phytomenadione, or phytonadione. It is largely found in green leafy vegetables.

Vitamin K₂ is known as menaquinones and is mainly found in the bacteria of colon (Large intestine).

FUNCTIONS

1. It helps in maintaining bone matrix ( bone mineralization)
2. It helps in cellular growth
3. It acts as a co factor for enzyme that validates protein to bind calcium.
4. It is important for normal clotting of blood.
5. It helps in synthesis of protein in plasma, bone and kidney
6. It reduces the risk of cardio vascular diseases
7. It lowers down the risk of type 2 diabetes
8. It helps in the maintaining the bone health
9. Ministry of Japan used it in treating osteoporosis.
10. It lowers the risk of liver cancer
11. It diminishes the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
12. It is used in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
13. It’s antidote treatment of poisoning byrodenticide. 

Daily Dietary Recommendations

Infants

• 0-6 months: 2 mcg
• 6-12 months: 2.5 mcg

Toddlers 

• 1-3 years: 30 mcg
• 4-8 years: 55 mcg
• 9-12 years: 60 mcg 

Teenagers

• 13 years: 60 mcg
• 14-18 years: 75 mcg

Adults

• 19+ years, female: 90 mcg
• 19+ years, male: 120 mcg

Pregnacy and lactation

• Pregnant or lactating women, 14-18 years: 75 mcg
• Pregnant or lactating women, 19+ years: 90 mcg 

Food sources for K1

Spinach, alfalfa, cabbage, kale, mustard leaves, collard greens, lettuce, Brussels greens, turnip greens, broccoli, parsley

Food sources for k2

Egg yolk, egg white, chicken, cheddar cheese, salmon, goose liver, bacon

Necessary as supplements for

1.   It is rare in adults but common in new born

2.   People suffering from

a.  Crohn’s disease

b.   Celiac disease

c.   Malnutrition

d.  Gall bladder diseases

e.  Cystic fibrosis

f.   Burn patients

g.  On hemodialysis

3.   People who are alcoholic.

4.   People on thinners

a.  Warfarin (Coumadin)

5.  People on drug (antibiotics) that interferes with vitamin K metabolism

a.   Cefamandole (Mandol)

b.  Cefoperazone (Cefobid)

c.  Cefmetazole (Zefazone)

d.  Cefotetan (Cefotan)

6. People on anticonvulsants

a. Phenytoin (Dilantin)

7. People on cholesterol lowering medications

a. Cholestyramine (Questran)

b. Colestipol (Colestid)

c. Colsevelam (Welchol)

Deficiencies & Toxicity

The deficiency of vitamin K results in hemorrhage and lowering of blood clotting process. Whereas, steatorrhea may occur in the case of vitamin K toxicity, though very rare.