Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for blood coagulation or clotting. Although vitamin K is produced by the body, the fat cells that store vitamins store little vitamin K. Eating a diet rich in vitamin K is important for healthy blood function.
Types
Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, cabbage, green-leaf lettuce and broccoli. Other sources of vitamin K are green tea and cereals.
Recommended Intake
Doctors recommend the following daily intake of vitamin K: Infants need 2.5 mcg; children ages 1 to 3 require 30 mcg; children ages 4 to 8 should get 55 mcg; children ages 9 to 13 need 60 mcg; children ages 14 to 18 should have 75 mcg; and adult males and females need 120 mcg 90 mcg, respectively.
Considerations
In adults, a vitamin K deficiency is rare. However, signs of a deficiency are easy bruising, blood in urine or stool, nosebleeds or excessive menstrual bleeding. A medical professional can diagnose if it is indeed a vitamin K deficiency.
Expert Insight
Scientists have recently found a direct link between inadequate vitamin K intake and osteoporosis.
Warning
Patients who take Warfarin or Coumadin should not exceed between 90 to 120 mcg of vitamin K daily as it may interfere with the medicine's effectiveness.
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