Vitamin K is a vitamin known as the clotting vitamin found in leafy green vegetables, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Vitamin K is known as clotting vitamin plays a major role in blood clotting. It is used to reverse the effects of “blood thinning” medications when too much is given. Apart from this it is use externally on skin to treat skin problems and to maintain strong bones in the elderly.
Uses of Vitamin K as medicine
- Used to reverse the effects of “blood thinning” medications when too much is given
- Prevent blood clotting problems in new-borns who do not have enough vitamin K
- Treat bleeding caused by medications including salicylates, sulphonamides, quinine, quinidine, or antibiotics.
- Used to prevent and treat weak bones (osteoporosis) and relieve itching that often accompanies a liver disease called biliary cirrhosis.
- Used externally to the skin to remove spider veins, bruises, scars, stretch marks, and burns.
- After surgery, vitamin K is used to speed up skin healing and reduce bruising and swelling.
Vitamin K Food Sources
As vitamin K is fast soluble vitamin so one need to take it regularly. The best way to get the daily requirement of vitamin K is by eating food sources.
Vitamin K is found in the following foods
- Green leafy vegetables, such as kale, spinach, turnip greens, collards, Swiss chard, mustard greens, parsley, romaine, and green leaf lettuce
- Vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage
- Fish, liver, meat, eggs, and cereals (contain smaller amounts)
Recommended dosage of Vitamin K
According to RDA following is recommended dosage of vitamin K
Infants
0 - 6 months: 2.0 micrograms per day (mcg/day)
7 - 12 months: 2.5 mcg/day
Children
1 - 3 years: 30 mcg/day
4 - 8 years: 55 mcg/day
9 - 13 years: 60 mcg/day
Adolescents and Adults
Males and females age 14 - 18: 75 mcg/day
Males and females age 19 and older: 90 mcg/day
Safety and precautions while taking Vitamin K
Consumption of Vitamin K is considered safe for most of the people if taken in recommended dosage.
In case of Kidney disease too much vitamin K can be harmful if you are receiving dialysis treatments due to kidney disease.
In case of liver disease Vitamin K is not effective for treating clotting problems caused by severe liver disease. In fact, high doses of vitamin K can make clotting problems worse in these people.