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The need for Vitamin K is not as widely known by the general public as some of the more common vitamins. Regardless of your knowledge of Vitamin K, it is important that you realize it is necessary for your overall health. The main function of Vitamin K is to help the intestines function properly. It is also the main product to prevent blood clots. Supplements of Vitamin K are recommended during pregnancy to alleviate fatigue. It is also helpful for those who bruise very easily.

This vitamin can be consumed by eating many dairy products including milk and yogurt. Leafy vegetables, liver, asparagus, coffee, bacon, and green tea are all excellent sources of Vitamin K.

There are three types of Vitamin K. K1 is Phylloquinone, found in plants. K2 is known as menaquinone. This type is synthesized by bacteria. K3 is Menadione. This synthetic form is manmade.

Vitamin K deficiencies are very rare. The most common symptom is continuous nose bleeds. Newborns can have a Vitamin K deficiency due to problems with the amount of oxygen in their blood. Generally, this deficiency can be resolved prior to the baby leaving the hospital. A deficiency of Vitamin K can also result in physical birth defects including underdevelopment of the mouth, nose and ears.

Excess Vitamin K will not hurt you, unless it is of the K3 category. Symptoms of a toxin level of K3 include jaundice, anemia, and severe sweating. Vitamin K supplements can affect other medications, especially blood thinners. It is very important to consult your doctor before you add any supplement to your diet.

Some researchers believe a lack of Vitamin K may be the cause of a variety of disorders that are often blamed on genetics. There may also be a link to tissue disorders. More intense research needs to be conducted before such information can be considered to be true. The research in this area is in the very early stages.

Vitamin K is a relatively unknown vitamin when compared to the information out there about other types of vitamins. However, it is a vitamin that is very important to have a healthy body. The issue of Vitamin K continues to be an area of debate. While some researchers agree that the vitamin can be beneficial, the pros and cons of the vitamin have not been properly researched. It is an area many clinical studies are just starting to explore. Keeping this in mind, be very cautious about getting the proper dosage of Vitamin K on a regular basis. Consult medical advice before consuming more Vitamin K in any form.

MedlinePlus