Vitamin K is crucial for several vital bodily functions. Primarily, it's essential for blood clotting, a process also known as coagulation. Without sufficient Vitamin K, the body struggles to form blood clots, increasing the risk of bleeding. This is particularly important for newborns, who are at risk of Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB) until they begin consuming regular foods. (Source: CDC - About Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding, https://www.cdc.gov/vitamin-k-deficiency/about/index.html)
Beyond its role in blood clotting, Vitamin K also contributes significantly to bone health. It's involved in the production of proteins necessary for strong bones. (Source: NHS - Vitamins and minerals - Vitamin K, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-k/)
Key Functions of Vitamin K:
- Blood Clotting: Vitamin K facilitates the production of clotting factors, proteins essential for stopping bleeding. This is its best-known function, stemming from its name, "Koagulationsvitamin," derived from the German word for coagulation. (Source: Multiple sources, including Mount Sinai - Vitamin K Information, https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/vitamin-k)
- Bone Health: Vitamin K plays a vital role in bone metabolism and mineralization, contributing to bone strength and density. (Source: WebMD - Vitamin K: Uses, Deficiency, Dosage, Food Sources, and More, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/supplement-guide-vitamin-k)
Medical Uses:
Vitamin K is used medically to:
- Prevent and treat bleeding disorders related to Vitamin K deficiency.
- Prevent severe bleeding in newborns (VKDB). (Source: University of Rochester Medical Center - Vitamin K, https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=19&contentid=VitaminK)
Vitamin K exists in various forms, including vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K2 (menaquinones), which are found in different foods and supplements. (Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin K - Health Professional Fact Sheet, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminK-HealthProfessional/)
