What is Vitamin K used for?
Vitamin K Benefits and Functions
Vitamin K is an essential micronutrient for body health and is involved in normal blood clotting processes. This fat-soluble vitamin is especially necessary to support bone health and to have positive effects on the cardiovascular system. Vitamin K, which comes in two main forms, K1 (phylloquinone) and K2 (menaquinone), is naturally found in green leafy vegetables, fermented foods, and some animal products.
What is Vitamin K?
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is involved in blood clotting, bone metabolism and cardiovascular health. It is found in two main forms in nature: phylloquinone (K1), found in plants, and menaquinones (K2), found in animal sources and fermented foods.
Vitamin K Normal Value Range
Vitamin K levels in plasma may vary depending on factors such as an individual’s dietary habits, age, gender, and health status. In general, plasma phylloquinone (vitamin K1) concentrations in healthy individuals are considered to be between 0.22 and 8.88 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L).
Types of Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a type of fat-soluble vitamin that exists in different forms in nature and supports various biological functions in the body. It has two main natural forms:
- Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)
- Vitamin K2 (Menaquinones)
Vitamin K2 is divided into different subtypes based on the number of isoprenoid units in its side chains; these include forms such as menaquinone-4 (MK-4) and menaquinone-7 (MK-7). The MK-4 form is found in animal tissues, while the MK-7 form is produced in fermented foods and by some bacteria. A synthetic form, Vitamin K3 (Menadione), is also available; however, this form is not suitable for human use and may cause toxic effects.
Vitamin K Properties
Vitamin K features include acting as a cofactor in the synthesis of clotting factors. Its deficiency can cause bleeding disorders. It is also an important vitamin for bones. It can help activate bone proteins such as osteocalcin, support bone mineralization, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin K can protect vascular health, prevent vascular calcification, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
What is Vitamin K used for?
- It takes part in blood clotting.
- It protects cardiovascular health.
- It strengthens the bone structure.
- It increases the speed of healing of wounds.
- It may reduce the risk of cancer.
- It prevents the formation of chronic diseases.
- It balances blood pressure.
- It may reduce the risk of diabetes.
Plays a role in blood clotting
Vitamin K plays a role in the blood clotting process. Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), in particular, is involved in the synthesis of clotting factors such as prothrombin in the liver. This process can help control bleeding and help wounds close more quickly.
Protects Cardiovascular Health
Vitamin K, especially the K2 form (menaquinone), may be beneficial to cardiovascular health. It may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by preventing calcium deposits on the walls of the arteries. Vitamin K, which activates a protein called Activated Protein C, can maintain the elasticity of the arteries. Among the benefits of vitamin K, these positive effects on heart health are important.
Strengthens Bone Structure
Vitamin K contributes to the activation of bone proteins such as osteocalcin. The link between vitamin K and bone health is explained by the various mechanisms through which this vitamin modulates bone metabolism.
Increases the speed of healing of wounds
Vitamin K may help open wounds close more quickly by supporting the blood clotting mechanism. Vitamin K plays a potential role in the wound healing process through mechanisms such as supporting hemostasis, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects, and cell proliferation.
May Lower Cancer Risk
Vitamin K, especially vitamin K2 (menaquinone) forms, may reduce the risk of some types of cancer. Studies show that vitamin K2 intake can reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 35%. It has also been stated that vitamin K deficiency may be associated with the development of liver cancer.
Prevents the Formation of Chronic Diseases
Vitamin K has anti-inflammatory properties and can regulate inflammatory processes in the body. Chronic inflammation can prevent the development of various chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.
Balances Blood Pressure
Research on the effects of vitamin K on blood pressure is limited. The link between vitamin K and blood pressure is based on vitamin K’s role in activating proteins such as matrix Gla protein (MGP), which prevents vascular calcification. Vitamin D may increase vitamin K requirements by increasing MGP expression, which may contribute to vascular health.
Can Prevent Diabetes Risk
Vitamin K may reduce the risk of diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity. More broadly, vitamin K may have benefits on blood sugar regulation in diabetes and prediabetes; complications such as insulin sensitivity, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vitamin K
Does Vitamin K Give Energy?
Vitamin K does not play a direct role in energy production; however, it contributes to blood clotting processes in the body and bone health.
What is Vitamin K2 Good for?
Vitamin K2 is especially important for bone and cardiovascular health. It helps direct calcium to bones and supports heart health by preventing arteriosclerosis.
Does Vitamin K2 Open Blood Vessels?
Vitamin K2 can maintain the flexibility of arteries by reducing arteriosclerosis, which indirectly contributes to the health of the circulatory system.
Which Organs Is Vitamin K Good For?
Vitamin K is particularly beneficial for the liver, bones and blood vessels. While the production of blood clotting factors takes place in the liver, bone health and vascular flexibility are also affected by vitamin K.
For the most accurate information and healthy results, get support from a specialist doctor. The information in our content is not a prescription. We wish you healthy days…
