What is vitamin K?
Vitamin K is a group of fat-soluble compounds that play a key role in blood clotting and bone health. The main forms of vitamin K are K1 (phylloquinone), found primarily in leafy green vegetables, and K2 (menaquinone), found in fermented foods. Vitamin K is essential for activating proteins responsible for proper blood clotting and also helps build calcium into bone tissue, which is key to maintaining healthy bones.
Benefits of taking vitamin K
Vitamin K is extremely important for the blood clotting system. People with vitamin K deficiency may have problems with blood clotting, leading to prolonged bleeding when injured. In addition, vitamin K2 promotes bone mineralization, which is especially important for older adults and those at risk for osteoporosis. It also supports heart health by helping to prevent calcium buildup in the arteries.
Vitamin K and bone health
One of the most important aspects of vitamin K is its effect on bone health. Vitamin K2 plays a key role in regulating calcium metabolism in the body and supports processes that prevent calcium from being deposited in soft tissues and direct it to the bones. Regular supplementation with vitamin K2, especially in combination with vitamin D, can significantly reduce the risk of bone fractures.
The history of vitamin K and an interesting fact
Vitamin K was discovered in 1929 by Danish biochemist Henrik Dam, who noticed that chickens deprived of this vitamin in their diet had problems with blood clotting. Since then, vitamin K has gained importance, especially in relation to bone health. Interestingly, vitamin K2, which comes mainly from fermented foods, has traditionally been consumed in large quantities in the Japanese diet, which may explain the lower incidence of osteoporosis in that country.
Summary
Vitamin K is essential for cardiovascular and bone health. Regular intake supports proper blood clotting and healthy bone mineralization, which is important for people of all ages, especially those at risk of osteoporosis.
Sources:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24304548/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537761/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25412783/