Important of Vitamin K in Nutrition

 Vitamin K is found in food, but it is also created by the bacteria in our intestines. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, so it is stored in the body's fat tissue and liver. It is best known for its role in helping blood clot (coagulate) properly.

Functions of Vitamin K

Ø  Vitamin K is a group of chemicals used by the body to make specialized proteins found in blood plasma (the clear fluid in blood) such as prothorombin. This is the protein chiefly responsible for blood clotting.

Ø  Vitamin K is also needed to make bone and kidney tissue.

Food Sources of Vitamin K

Broccoli, cabbage, kale, lettuce, spinach and turnip greens, cheese, liver, and cereals

Food Sources of Vitamin K
Apples	5 mcg/100 g.
Asparagus	21 mcg/100 g.
Beans, green	22 mcg/100 g.
Beef, mince	7 mcg/100 g.
Beef, liver	100 mcg/100 g.
Cabbage	100 mcg/100 g.
Carrots	15 mcg/100 g.
Cauliflower	150 mcg/100 g.
Lettuce	200 mcg/100 g.
Cow’s milk	5 mcg/100 g.
Oranges	5 mcg/100 g.
Peas	19 mcg/100 g.
Potatoes	20 mcg/100 g.
Soya beans	190 mcg/100 g.
Spinach	240 mcg/100 g.
Strawberries	13 mcg/100 g.
Wheat bran	80 mcg/100 g.
Wheat germ	37 mcg/100 g.

RDA Of VITAMIN K
Childern	Age	4-6	30 Ug
	Age	7-10	65 Ug
Males	Age	15-18	70 Ug
	Age	19-24	80 Ug
	Age	25-50	80 Ug
Females	Age	15-18	55 Ug
	Age	19-24	60 Ug
	Age	25-50	65 Ug

Deficiency and Disease of Vitamin K

Vitamin K is manufactured in the stomach, and is widely available in food. Deficiency in this vitamin is very uncommon.

Ø  Vitamin K deficiency can lead to excessive bleeding (hemorrhage), which may begin as oozing from the gums or nose.

Ø  Health problems that can prevent the absorption of vitamin K (such as gallbladder or biliary disease, which may alter the absorption of fat), cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and Crohn's disease

Ø  Liver disease

Ø  Use of blood-thinning medications .

Ø  Continuing hemodialysis

Ø  Serious burns