What is Vitamine K
There are two forms of vitamin K. K1 is found in plant-based foods. K2 is of animal origin. Bacteria in the large intestine are also capable of producing vitamin K2 themselves, to a limited extent. Vitamin K is important for proper blood clotting and plays a role in bone formation.
Functions of Vitamin K
Antioxidant: Vitamin K is a powerful antioxidant that also activates vitamin E.
Blood clotting: Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting. It is involved in the production of several blood proteins. It maintains the balance between proteins that promote clotting and those that slow it down.
Bone formation: The protein osteocalcin, which coordinates the balance between bone breakdown and bone formation, cannot function without vitamin K.
Foods rich in Vitamin K
Vitamin K1 is found in green leafy vegetables, grains, vegetables, and fruits. K2 is found in liver, cheese, and eggs.
| Food Item | Quantity | Micrograms |
|---|---|---|
| Sauerkraut/Brussels sprouts | 100g | 1,500 |
| Chicken | 100g | 500 |
| Spinach | 100g | 415 |
| Broccoli | 100g | 175 |
| Carrots | 100g | 65 |
Causes of Vitamin K Deficiencies
Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption inhibits liver function. The liver is less able to produce blood proteins for blood clotting with the help of vitamin K.
Medications: Antibiotics disrupt the functioning of intestinal flora and thus also the production of vitamin K in the large intestine.
Liver dysfunction: The body can only store a small amount of vitamin K. This occurs in the liver. The liver is very selective in its use of the vitamin and even uses it twice. This recycling does not occur properly if liver function is impaired.
Newborns: Newborns typically have a vitamin K deficiency. Vitamin K cannot reach the unborn child via the placenta. Moreover, the liver of a newborn is not yet fully developed, so it cannot be stored. Finally, the large intestine is still sterile; it does not yet contain any bacteria that can produce vitamin K.
Applications
Babies: To prevent bleeding in babies, all babies receive extra vitamin K shortly after birth. Breastfed babies need extra K (25 micrograms) daily for the first three months.
Osteocalcin: Vitamin K stimulates the production of osteocalcin and is therefore important in building bones and preventing, and potentially treating, osteoporosis.
Consequences of a disturbed vitamin K balance
- Poor blood clotting, spontaneous bleeding.
- Osteoporosis
Daily amount
No recommended daily allowance has yet been established in the Netherlands. In the United States, 120 micrograms are recommended for men and 90 micrograms for women.
