|
MAIN
Health
Vitamins
& Minerals
Vitamin
K
|
Vitamin
K
Fast Facts
Foods:
cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli,
green leafy vegetables, cereals,
soybeans
What
it's good for: blood
clotting, strong bones
|
|
|
|
Vitamin
K is actually a group of vitamins that have several important
roles in the body. Vitamin K's main role is as a modifier
of certain proteins, a process which is essential for blood
clotting. However, the aging American population has highlighted
another benefit that vitamin K provides.
Until quite recently, it was believed that vitamin K intake
was several times higher than it actually is. Contrary to
this thought, new research has established that most people,
especially those in the 18 to 44 age bracket, don't get nearly
enough vitamin K, and are suffering the consequences of this
deficiency. One of these deficiencies is poor bone health.
Vitamin K plays a pivotal role in maintaining bone health
and bone strength by providing chemicals to various proteins
which repair bones in the human body. Thus, a vitamin K deficiency
means weakened bones, which are more susceptible to a variety
of health conditions.
Vitamin K deficiency has also been linked to Alzheimer's
disease. The chances of developing Alzheimer's disease
are higher with a vitamin K deficiency, and it is likely,
researchers believe, that taking vitamin K supplements will
fight Alzheimer's disease.
Beyond the problems of vitamin K deficiencies, there are several
important benefits that extra vitamin K can provide, the most
important of which is vitamin K's effect on cancer.
Maintaining a healthy intake of vitamin K has been shown to
help prevent and treat cancer, which makes vitamin K a supplement
well worth taking.
To get additional vitamin K, look no further than the common
foods which have high concentrations of vitamin K, including
leafy green vegetables such as spinach, swiss chard, broccoli,
cauliflower, and brussels sprouts. There are also high levels
of vitamin K to be found in a few fruits such as kiwifruit
and avocado.
More
about vitamin K around the Web:
Vitamin
K: Another Reason to Eat Your Greens
- Archived article with an overview on the vitamin's blood
clotting benefits with reports on new research indicating
an association with bone health, additional information on
daily requirements, related research.
MedlinePlus
Medical Encyclopedia: Vitamin K - Benefits, conditions
and risks of deficiency, good food sources.
Vitamin
K, Linus Pauling Institute's Micronutrient Information Center
- An overview, with information on its benefits to blood clotting,
bone mineralization and cell growth, controversies over vitamin
K administration in infancy, research indicating its use in
treating osteoporosis, suggested daily requirement, natural
food sources, possible drug interactions, related references.
Food
Standards Agency - Vitamin K - Its use and benefits,
good food sources, suggest daily requirements, with a complete
scientific assessment in PDF format.
Vitamin
K - The vitamin's chemical structure with an accompanying
illustration, uses and indications, and causes and symptoms
of deficiency, related references.
MedlinePlus
Drug Information: Vitamin K - General
overview, with information on possible interactions with drugs
and other nutrients, recommended dosages, food sources, possible
side effects.
also
in Vitamins & Minerals --> Vitamin
A | Vitamin
B1 | Vitamin
B2
Vitamin
B3 | Vitamin
B6 | Vitamin
B12 | B-Complex
| Pantothenic
acid
Vitamin
C | Vitamin
D | Vitamin
E | Beta-carotene
|