Vitamin K may be somewhat less well-known than other vitamins, yet it is considered to be no less essential. The letter “K” comes from the German word “koagulation,” which is the equivalent of the English word “coagulation.” This makes reference to one of the most important benefits of vitamin K — its role in the blood clotting capabilities of the body. Other benefits of vitamin K have been discovered and researched as well, though some have not been conclusively proven in the scientific community.
Several types of proteins are involved in the function of blood clotting, and they are unable to function without the aid of vitamin K. Members of the health and science community therefore refer to such proteins as being “K-dependent.” These proteins allow coagulation to take place in the bloodstream.
Numerous serious health risks are associated with the inability of the body to form blood clots, thereby affirming this function as one of the most important benefits of vitamin K. Clots help to regulate blood flow throughout the body, most notably to the heart, brain, and lungs. Improper blood flow may lead to heart attacks or strokes. Low levels of vitamin K in the bloodstream could additionally contribute to severe liver disease.
Due to its role in promoting blood clotting, a vitamin K deficiency may additionally lead to excessive and uncontrollable bleeding. Bleeding within the skull is among the most serious risks associated with this phenomenon. For this reason, many rodent poisons are produced with substances that interfere with vitamin K. When rats and mice ingest such poisons, they consequently suffer from lethal hemorrhaging.
Maintaining proper bone health is among the other benefits of vitamin K. There are three K-dependent proteins that have been isolated in bones — one of which, called matrix gla protein (MGP), is believed to promote both the growth and development of bones. This protein apparently fights calcification in bones where insoluble calcium salts interfere with proper bone and joint function. In addition to preventing this from happening in bones, vitamin K may aid against calcification in the blood vessels and heart valves, as well.
A few benefits of vitamin K exist that have yet to be conclusively determined. The vitamin may aid in protection against liver cancer and prostate cancer. Vitamin K may also be beneficial in promoting cell growth. The K-dependent Gas6 protein, which is found in the nervous system, some organs, and cartilage, is believed to regulate cell growth. This protein might also aid in the development of the young nervous system and the maintenance of the aging nervous system.
Since the body stores small amounts of the vitamin, a regular dietary intake of vitamin K can be essential. Though the small amounts of the vitamin found in intestinal bacteria were once believed to provide proper sustenance, this idea has been discredited by the scientific community. Fortunately, many common foods are rich in vitamin K, such as cruciferous vegetables including cabbage, broccoli, spinach, and cauliflower, plus carrots, peas, and various leafy greens. While all types of foods and nutrients typically should be taken in moderation, high doses of vitamin K are not believed to be toxic.
