Vitamin K, Fat Soluble, Beneficial For Osteoporosis And Blood Clotting
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble Vitamin and as it stores in the body until it is needed, there is no need to take it on a daily basis.
It can be found naturally in two forms:
=> K 1 – phylloquinone – found in plants
=> K 2 – menaquinone – synthesized by many bacteria
(There is also Vitamin K 3 – menadione, which is a manmade form)
Vitamin K, long known for its critical role in blood clotting, it has a number of important functions. It is essential for synthesising the liver protein that controls the clotting. It also helps heal wounds properly as it is needed for the blood clotting. There has been increasing evidence that Vitamin K is also beneficial in the repair and development of building strong bones.
With the presence of cultured milk such as yoghurt in your diet, the function of the intestine producing Vitamin K is improved. The intestines are also the place where the Vitamin aids to convert glucose to glycogen which then will be stored in the liver.
There have been indications that Vitamin K decreases incidences or even severity of osteoporosis as well as slowing down bone loss.
With normal dietary intake toxicity does not easily happen unless the synthetic compound of Vitamin K 3 is taken. After taking high doses of the toxic synthetic form can include symptoms like flushing and sweating and in some cases Jaundice and anemia may develop.
Before you take a Vitamin K supplement consult your medical practitioner if you are also taking anti-coagulants, which prevent blood clotting.
Air pollution, radiation and freezing can destroy the nutrients in Vitamin K.
High Vitamin intake of Vitamin E, calcium, mineral oil, excessive refined sugar, rancid fats and antibiotics may decrease the absorption of Vitamin K.
In the last stages of pregnancy Vitamin K should be taken with caution, as it could be toxic for the baby.
You should be able to get all the Vitamins and Nutrients your body acquires from a good, healthy and balanced diet.
Good sources of Vitamin K include:
Green leafy vegetables, broccoli, spinach, Vegetable oils, cheese, liver, asparagus and green tea.
Related Topic:
Vitamin C is Water Soluble: Choose Time Release Supplements
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