Description and class
Vitamin K is popularly known as the blood clotting vitamin.
It is a group of fat-soluble vitamins. It exists in two main forms:
K1 - phylloquinone
K2 - menaquinone phylloquinone
Phylloquinone is the main dietary form of vitamin K found in green leafy vegetables.
Your body stores vitamin K in the liver, brain, heart, pancreas and bones. So, you may not need to eat large amounts of vitamin D.
Functions
Blood clotting
Healing of wounds
The development of healthy bones and other connective tissues may have potential benefits for heart health
Body requirement
The daily requirements for vitamin K vary based on age.
Children between 9 to 13 years should take 60 micrograms (mcg).
People between 14 to 18 years old should take 75 micrograms (mcg). Women who are pregnant and breastfeeding should take 90 micrograms (mcg).
Absorption
Vitamin K is absorbed through the ileum and jejunum of the small intestine.
Sources
Ugu (pumpkin leaves), fermented soybeans, locust beans, e.g., ogiri and iru, cabbage and cow liver are rich sources of vitamin K.
Signs of deficiency of Vitamin K
Difficulty with blood clotting, which would affect how your wounds heal.
Dangers of overconsumption
Overconsumption of supplements is rare, but excessive intake can interfere with blood-thinning medications like Warfarin, leading to blood clotting disorders.
