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Vitamin K

Phylloquinone; K1; Menaquinone; K2; Menadione; K3

 

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin.

Function

 

Vitamin K is known as the clotting vitamin, because without it blood would not clot. Some studies suggest that it helps maintain strong bones in the elderly.

 

Food Sources

 

The best way to get the daily requirement of vitamin K is by eating food sources. Vitamin K is found in the following foods:

  • Green leafy vegetables, such as kale, spinach, turnip greens, collards, Swiss chard, mustard greens, parsley, romaine, and green leaf lettuce
  • Vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage
  • Fish, liver, meat, eggs, and cereals (contain smaller amounts)

Vitamin K is also made by the bacteria in the lower intestinal tract.

 

Side Effects

 

Vitamin K deficiency is very rare. It occurs when the body can't properly absorb the vitamin from the intestinal tract. Vitamin K deficiency can also occur after long-term treatment with antibiotics.

People with vitamin K deficiency are often more likely to have bruising and bleeding.

If you take blood thinning drugs (such as anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs), you may need to limit vitamin K foods. You may also need to eat a consistent amount of vitamin K containing foods on a day to day basis if you consume these foods. You should know that vitamin K or foods containing vitamin K can affect how these drugs work.

It is important for you to keep vitamin K levels in your blood about the same from day to day. Ask your health care provider how much vitamin K-containing foods you should eat.

 

Recommendations

 

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamins reflects how much of each vitamin most people should get each day.

  • The RDA for vitamins may be used as goals for each person.
  • How much of each vitamin you need depends on your age and gender.
  • Other factors, such as pregnancy, breast-feeding, and illness may increase the amount you need.

The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine Recommended Intakes for Individuals - Adequate Intakes (AIs) for vitamin K:

Infants

  • 0 to 6 months: 2.0 micrograms per day (mcg/day)
  • 7 to 12 months: 2.5 mcg/day

Children

  • 1 to 3 years: 30 mcg/day
  • 4 to 8 years: 55 mcg/day
  • 9 to 13 years: 60 mcg/day

Adolescents and Adults

  • Males and females age 14 to 18: 75 mcg/day
  • Males and females age 19 and older: 90 mcg/day for females (including those who are pregnant and lactating) and 120 mcg/day for males

 

 

References

Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron Manganese, Molybdenium, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. National Academy Press. Washington, DC, 2001. PMID: 25057538 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25057538 .

Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 225.

Salwen MJ. Vitamins and trace elements. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 26.

 
  • Vitamin K benefit - illustration

    All the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) are inhibited by the ingestion of mineral oil because they dissolve in the oil and are lost.

    Vitamin K benefit

    illustration

  • Vitamin K source - illustration

    Like most vitamins, vitamin K may be obtained in the recommended amount with a well-balanced diet. Vitamin K is also made in the body by normal beneficial gastrointestinal bacteria.

    Vitamin K source

    illustration

    • Vitamin K benefit - illustration

      All the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) are inhibited by the ingestion of mineral oil because they dissolve in the oil and are lost.

      Vitamin K benefit

      illustration

    • Vitamin K source - illustration

      Like most vitamins, vitamin K may be obtained in the recommended amount with a well-balanced diet. Vitamin K is also made in the body by normal beneficial gastrointestinal bacteria.

      Vitamin K source

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

    Talking to your MD

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Vitamin K

         

           

          Review Date: 2/2/2015

          Reviewed By: Emily Wax, RD, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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