{"id":32389,"date":"2019-06-11T03:25:40","date_gmt":"2019-06-11T10:25:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dherbs.com\/uncategorized\/vitamin-k\/"},"modified":"2022-12-06T04:39:01","modified_gmt":"2022-12-06T11:39:01","slug":"vitamin-k","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dherbs.com\/articles\/diet-nutrition\/vitamin-k\/","title":{"rendered":"Vitamin K: Sources And Health Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Vitamin K <\/strong>refers to a group of fat-soluble vitamins that help the body produce prothrombin<\/strong>, a protein and clotting factor that is necessary for bone health and blood clotting<\/strong>. It is rare for people to experience vitamin K deficiency, but it can happen, and it leads to increased clotting time, hemorrhaging, and excessive bleeding. People who take blood thinners, such as Coumadin or other anticoagulants, are not encouraged to consume additional vitamin K without consulting their medical care professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vitamin K is integral for optimal bone health, teaming up with vitamin D<\/a> to efficiently deliver calcium to the bones in the body. Recent research by the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay found that vitamin K may increase bone mineral density, decreasing the risk of fractures. Another study found that low vitamin K levels may lead to low bone mass density, increasing the risk of hip fractures in women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sources of Vitamin K<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract naturally produce vitamin K, but it is necessary to obtain vitamin K from dietary sources. <\/strong>Some of the best dietary sources of vitamin K include leafy green vegetables, vegetable oils, and fermented foods<\/a>. For fermented foods, the amount of vitamin K will vary depending on bacterial strains and the fermentation process. The bioavailability of different forms of vitamin K will also vary from food to food. Some of the best vitamin K sources are listed below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n