Why Your Body Needs Vitamin K

Although vitamin K is conveniently produced in the intestine, a diet rich in cultured milk, yogurt and other dairy products can accelerate the progression. Vitamin K deficiency occurs when the intestinal tract is unable to absorb the vitamin."

Vitamin K. Well, there's a name that you don't hear everyday. Just in case you've never heard of it, stay tuned for the skinny on vitamin k.

The Skinny on Vitamin K

Unlike B complex vitamins which are water-soluable, vitamin K is fat-soluable. Surprisingly, your intestine may be producing vitamin K as we speak. It is made by the bacteria line in the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin K comes in two natural forms. K1 which is found in plants, and vitamin K2 which can be synthesized by bacteria. There is a third form, vitamin K3, which is a manmade supplement.

The Benefits of Vitamin K

Now you're probably wondering just why your body needs vitamin K. Vitamin K is known as the "clotting vitamin," and the substance does, in fact, keep blood clotting in check.  Recent studies have shown that K plays a role in maintaining strong bones people over the age of sixty-five, preventing the progression of osteoporosis and bone loss.

Food Sources for Vitamin K

Although vitamin K is conveniently produced in the intestine, a diet rich in cultured milk, yogurt and other dairy products can accelerate the progression. Other foods that are rich in vit K include:

• Cauliflower: You know, white broccoli
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Green veggies
• Leafy vegetables
• Cereals
• Soybean
• Vegetables

Vitamin K Deficiency

Vitamin K deficiency occurs when the intestinal tract is unable to absorb the vitamin. This can result from a couple of things.

• Accidental Poisoning: Many of the rodenticides used to get rid of a few uninvitied new furry friends induce a vitamin K deficiency which, if severe, leads to death by bleeding.
• Liver Disease: Since liver disease results in decreased bile salt synthesis this leads to impaired vitamin K absorption, and ultimately, deficiency.
• Intestinal Disease

Some diseases can develop as a result of vitamin K deficiency. Like hemorrhagic disease and increased risk of fractures, for example.