Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that helps perform many functions in your body. Vitamin K helps your body heal wounds, keep your blood vessels and bones healthy. As it can participate in the prevention of fractures (broken bones), especially in women after menopause.
The benefits of vitamin K.
Vitamin K is an important factor when it comes to bone health and wound care. It helps produce the proteins necessary for bone health and blood clotting.
In addition, vitamin K works as a team with its sisters to maintain the proper development and functioning of the body. As an example, Elle works with vitamin D to ensure that calcium finds its way to the bones to help them grow properly.
Vitamin K is integral to bone health. It is therefore obvious to think that it can be used to treat certain bone problems. Research conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has shown that vitamin K has a positive effect on bone mineral density and decreases the risk of fracture.
Health benefits of vitamin K that have been spotted but not scientifically proven include protection against heart disease, prostate cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
What are your daily vitamin K needs?
The body needs a small amount of vitamin K each day to function properly. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin K is 120 micrograms (mcg) for adults.
However, some people may need more or less vitamin K depending on their age, health status, and other factors. For example, pregnant and nursing women need an additional 10 mcg of vitamin K per day. For those taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, may also need to increase their intake.
Alongside a diet rich in this vitamin, there are a variety of supplements to be taken in moderation. If you have questions about your vitamin K intake, talk to your doctor.
How do you know if your vitamin K level is within the norm?
Vitamin K is an important nutrient that helps prevent blood clotting disorders. Without enough vitamin K, a person can bleed excessively, even from a minor injury. Since vitamin K levels can vary from person to person, it’s important to get a blood test to check your levels if you’re concerned.
Your doctor can also help you interpret your results and determine if your level is within the normal range. In general, most people do not need to take a vitamin K supplement unless they have a medical condition that affects their ability to absorb nutrients from food. However, if you are taking certain medications or have had surgery, you are at risk of having low vitamin K levels. In this case, you should consult your doctor to find out if you need to take a supplement.
Where can you find vitamin K?
Although our body produces part of this vitamin, it is essential to consume foods rich in vitamin K to help it nourish itself and maintain its proper functioning.
It is found in a variety of foods. These include leafy green vegetables, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage and peas. Dairy products such as milk and yogurt are also good sources of vitamin K.
There are many types of fruits that are rich in vitamin K. Some of the most popular include oranges, grapefruits, bananas, strawberries, kiwis, blackberries, and raspberries. Also in some breakfast cereals and in vegetable oils, such as canola and soybean oil. Check labels to find out how much vitamin K a product contains before buying it.
As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin K may be better absorbed when consumed with fat. Prepare foods rich in this vitamin with a small amount of fat or oil to take advantage of its benefits.
Do you really need a vitamin K supplement?
No. Most people get enough vitamin K through their diet. Taking supplements may benefit people whose vitamin K levels are low due to a diet low in green leafy vegetables. As the amount of vitamin K in supplements is much higher than that found in food. You may want to talk to your doctor or healthcare professional before you start taking a supplement.
What happens in the case of vitamin K deficiency?
Vitamin K deficiency can be caused by certain diseases, such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease, which make it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients. It can also be caused by taking certain medications, such as blood thinners or antibiotics.
The lack of vitamin K can cause major risks up to death. Early symptoms of vitamin K deficiency are easy bruising, nosebleeds, and bloody stools. This is why it is essential to establish a health check every year.