Vitamin K can be used as a natural remedy to effectively treat a number of health conditions. It is needed for the production of prothrombin, which is necessary for blood clotting. It is also essential for bone formation and repair. Consequently, it may help prevent osteoporosis.
This vitamin plays an important role in the intestines and aids in converting glucose into glycogen for storage in the liver, thus promoting healthy liver function. It also may increase the resistance to infection in children and help to prevent cancers that target the inner linings of the organs. It also aids in promoting longevity.
There are three forms of vit K. The first is vit K1, which comes from plants and makes up your dietary vit K. The second is vit K2, a family of substances called menaquinones, which are made by intestinal bacteria, and can also be found in a few food sources we will list below. Third, there is vit K3 (menadione), which is a synthetic, man-made substance.
A deficiency of vit K can cause abnormal and/or internal bleeding.
Vitamin K1 is found in asparagus, blackstrap molasses, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, chicken, dark green leafy vegetables, egg yolks, leaf lettuce, liver, oatmeal, oats, rye, safflower oil, soybeans, wheat, and yogurt.
Herbs which contain vit K1 include alfalfa, green tea, kelp, nettle, oat straw, and shepherd's purse.
However, the majority of the body's supply of this vitamin is synthesized by the "friendly" bacteria normally present in the intestines.
Dietary sources for vitamin K2 include butter, cow liver, chicken, egg yolks, fermented soybean products, and some cheeses.
Antibiotics increase the need for dietary or supplemental vit K. Because bacteria in the intestines synthesize vit K, taking antibiotics - which kill the bacteria - interferes with this process. Antibiotics also interfere with the absorption of vit K.
Vit K deficiency can be caused by any of the following: a poor or restricted diet, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, liver disease that interferes with vit K storage, the use of antibiotics, cholesterol lowering drugs, mineral oil, aspirin, and/or blood thinners.
Low levels of vit K are associated with insulin release and glucose regulation problems, and may lead to low bone density in women. Supplementing the diet with this vitamin enhances the bone-building process by attracting calcium to the bone. Supplemental vit K also reduces the amount of calcium lost in the urine, thus freeing up more calcium to be used in the bone-building process.
Do not take large doses of supplemental vit K during the last few weeks of pregnancy, as it can result in a toxic reaction in the newborn.
If you are taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) drugs, consult with your health care provider before taking any supplemental vit K, as it can interfere with the action of these medications.
Megadoses of this vitamin can accumulate in the body and cause flushing and sweating.
This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific condition, nor is it intended to replace the advice of your healthcare professional.
Sources
Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing". Garden City, NY.: Avery Publishing Group, 2006
Ritchason, Jack, ND. "The Little Herb Encyclopedia". Pleasant Grove, UT.: Woodland Health Books, 1995
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