The Power of Vitamin K: Everything You Need to Know

💊Vitamin K plays a crucial role in coagulation, preventing hemorrhage in newborns and aiding the formation of blood clots.

🧠Vitamin K is essential for bone health, promoting bone formation and mineralization, and reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

🥦Dietary sources of vitamin K include green leafy vegetables, broccoli, kale, spinach, asparagus, beef liver, and green tea.

⚠️Interactions between vitamin K supplements and medications such as Warfarin and some antibiotics can pose risks, and consultation with a healthcare provider is advised.

🔬Recent research suggests that vitamin K2 supplementation may help prevent calcification in patients with aortic stenosis, but further studies are needed.

Who is at risk for vitamin K deficiency?

—People with low dietary intake, malabsorption issues, liver or gallbladder diseases, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, and those on prolonged antibiotics or hemodialysis.

What are the signs of vitamin K deficiency?

—Prolonged prothrombin time, unusual bleeding, easy bruising, frequent gum bleeding, and increased risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Which foods are high in vitamin K?

—Green leafy vegetables, broccoli, kale, spinach, asparagus, beef liver, green tea, turnip greens, and natto.

Can vitamin K interact with medications?

—Yes, interactions with Warfarin and some antibiotics are possible, and consulting a healthcare provider is crucial before supplementation.

What does recent research say about vitamin K2 and calcification?

—A study suggests that vitamin K2 supplementation may reduce dephosphorylated uncarboxylated Matrix GLA protein levels, indicating improved vitamin K status in patients with aortic stenosis.

00:00In this video, we explore the role of vitamin K in the body and its importance in coagulation and bone health.

02:12Vitamin K ensures proper blood clotting and is crucial for newborn babies who receive a vitamin K injection to prevent hemorrhage.

05:55Individuals at risk for vitamin K deficiency include those with low dietary intake, malabsorption issues, liver or gallbladder diseases, and celiac disease.

07:36Signs of vitamin K deficiency include prolonged prothrombin time, bleeding, bruising, and increased risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis.

08:24Green leafy vegetables, beef liver, and green tea are excellent dietary sources of vitamin K.

09:56Vitamin K supplements can interact with medications like Warfarin and certain antibiotics, making consultation with a healthcare provider essential.

12:22Recent research suggests that vitamin K2 supplementation may help prevent calcification in patients with aortic stenosis, though further studies are needed.

14:28To maintain optimal health, ensure an adequate intake of vitamin K through a well-rounded diet or consult a healthcare provider before considering supplementation.