Vitamin K comes in two forms: Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K2 (menaquinones).
Vitamin K1 is found in some foods, such as green vegetables: kale, spinach, and broccoli. Vitamin K2 is synthesized by bacteria in the intestines.
Vitamin K is also available as a supplement. For newborns, vitamin K is given as a supplement because they do not produce vitamin K on their own and do not get enough vitamin K from breast milk.
However, the amount of vitamin K needed is mostly obtained through the diet.
Uses of Vitamin K
Vitamin K has also been studied for its role in:
- Blood clotting
- Bone health
- Prevent heart disease
Blood clotting
Vitamin K is an important component of the liver enzyme system that synthesizes blood clotting factors such as prothrombin, a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in regulating blood clotting.
Bone health
Vitamin K is thought to improve bone health due to its role in producing proteins responsible for bone formation. However, there is not enough research to prove whether vitamin K supplements play a role in improving bone health or preventing osteoporosis.
Prevent heart disease
Research on vitamin K supplements for heart disease prevention is inconclusive.
Vitamin K plays a role in the formation of a protein called matrix Gla protein (MGP). MGP prevents vascular calcification (mineral deposits in the walls of arteries and veins), but it depends on vitamin K to activate it. Vascular calcification is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
