Description:
Vitamin K is needed for proper blood clotting and for formation
of bone and bone repair. It also helps to convert blood sugar into
a form that is stored in the liver and muscles. A deficiency of
this vitamin can lead to internal bleeding and osteoporosis. Friendly
bacteria in the intestines synthesize the majority of the body's
requirement of vitamin K.
Complimentary Nutrients:
Not known.
Antagonists:
Mineral oil, radiation. and x-rays, rancid fats, and aspirin. Antibiotics
increase the need for vitamin K. While taking antibiotics take acidophilus
at bedtime to replace the lost friendly bacteria, so that your vitamin
K levels can remain adequate.
Health Benefits:
Blood clotting, and liver.
Therapeutic Uses:
Preparing women for childbirth, hemorrhaging, bruising, eye hemorrhages,
gall stones, and menstrual problems.
Vitamin Therapies should be done with the supervision of a qualified
health care professional. In the panel on the left, under ailments
you can find more information about treatments for some of these
conditions. You can also locate therapeutic information on this
site by using the search engine - click on 'Search' in the panel
on your left - and entering words relating to the ailment you are
interested in.
Deficiency Indicators:
Miscarriages, nosebleeds, diarrhea, and increased tendency to hemorrhage.
Dosage:
| RDA |
Optimal Health |
Therapeutic Amounts |
| 70-140 mcg |
100 mcg |
200-800 mcg |
RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) are dosages developed by the
FDA. These amounts are designed to prevent deficiency symptoms.
For optimal health it is necessary to take a larger dose. The optimal
health amounts are for adults and children weighing over 100 lbs.
Children under the age of six should be given nutritional formulas
designed specifically for young children. The therapeutic amounts
to treat special conditions are usually much higher, and should
not be taken without the supervision of a qualified health care
professional.
Be careful not to overdose on Vitamin K because it can become toxic.
Unlike water soluble vitamins, where the body excretes excessive
amounts, Vitamin K - a oil soluble vitamin, can accumulate in the
body to toxic levels.
Because of its ability to clot blood, vitamin K should never
be taken without the close supervision of a qualified health care
professional.
Sources:
Vitamin K can be found in very small amounts in foods like asparagus,
cabbage, cauliflower, egg yolks, dark green leafy vegetables, liver,
soybeans, wheat germ, safflower oil, blackstrap molasses, and yogurt.
Here are some examples.
| Food |
Amount |
MCG |
| oatmeal |
1 cup |
180 |
| beef liver |
1/4 lb. |
100 |
