The "K" in Vitamin Kstands for coagulation – in other words, blood clotting. The most important task of Vitamin Kis to support the formation of clotting factors in the blood. These activate the production of fibrin, which closes wounds and prevents uncontrolled bleeding.
What are the functions of Vitamin K?
In addition to blood clotting, Vitamin Khas other important functions:
Maintaining bone stability in combination with calcium and vitamin D
Participation in cell growth
Potential protective effect against vascular calcification and osteoporosis
Furthermore, Vitamin Ksupports the formation of osteocalcin – a protein that is essential for healthy and stable bones.
Forms of Vitamin K
There are different forms of Vitamin K:
Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone):contained primarily in plant-based Vitamin K foods
Vitamin K2 (menaquinone):produced by bacteria, found in animal-based foods
Vitamin K3 and K4:synthetic forms (menadione, menadiol)
Vitamin K deficiency: causes & symptoms
A deficiency in Vitamin Kcan lead to increased bleeding because blood coagulation is impaired. Typical causes include:
chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
impaired bile flow
long-term or frequent antibiotic therapy
Symptoms can include bleeding, bruising, or increased bone fragility. In these cases, taking Vitamin K tabletscan help ensure adequate supply.
Use of Vitamin K
Vitamin K tabletsor supplements are used in the following situations:
Newborns:Vitamin K is administered immediately after birth to prevent blood clotting disorders
Blood clotting disorders:deficiencies or overdoses of anticoagulant medication can be balanced out with Vitamin K
Bone health:support of osteocalcin production and prevention of osteoporosis
Anyone wishing to supplement their diet can specifically use Vitamin K tablets.
Which foods contain Vitamin K?
The most important Vitamin K foodsare green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and white cabbage. Black tea, organ meats (liver, heart), and muscle meat also contain significant amounts.
Am I deficient in Vitamin K?
If any of the following points apply to you, your Vitamin Kintake might be insufficient. In such cases, taking Vitamin K tabletsmay be beneficial (please consult your doctor regarding your requirements):
You suffer from a chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal disease
You have osteoporosis or an increased risk of it
You have had to undergo long-term antibiotic treatment
