subject: What Is Vitamin K? [print this page] The presence of vitamin k is very vital for the human body. The intake ensures proper blood clotting. It has also a big role in functioning of the kidney and bone repair in case of injuries. The intake is very important to prevent diseases like osteoporosis.
Vitamins are categorized by the materials that they dissolve in. There exist two categories: water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Examples of fat soluble vitamins are vitamin A, D, E and K. They can be stored in the body up to six months. Fat soluble vitamin like vitamin k can be stored in liver causing health problems.
Toxicity can be lead to if too much of fat soluble vitamins are consumed. The body requires intake of only a small amount of the se vitamins. It is advised by nutritionists to consume 80 micrograms of vitamin k for men and 65 micrograms for women. Sources for this vitamin include green tea, cheese, vegetables like spinach and beef liver.
Infants and newborns are prone to deficiency in vitamin k but is rare in adults. It occurs to people who find it difficult to absorb vitamins from food properly. This may lead to bleeding gums and bruised skins. You should note that you should not consume an overdose of this vitamin without briefing the doctor. These vitamins interfere with the effect of medications like the blood thinners.
You should inculcate the habit to refrigerate fresh food. You should ensure not to keep milk and grains under strong light. This is because the vitamins can be easily destroyed during preparation of food and storage. Adequate inputs of vitamin k solve the problems.
