Vitamin K2 also known as menaquinone, is synthesized by the bacteria in the gastro-intestinal tracts. K2 is absorbed and sent to the blood vessel walls, bones and tissues excepting the liver.
Vitamin K, primarily in the form of phylloquinone, is absorbed in a form which is chemically unchanged after solubilisation. The absorption takes place in the proximal part of the intestine after bile salts and products of pancreatic lipolysis, form micelles with the soluble form of phylloquinone.
Vitamin K along with Vitamins A, D and E are fat-soluble vitamins. Therefore, they are most commonly stored in the fatty tissues of the human body.
Vitamin K is important for bone health and healing of wounds
In 1929, a Danish scientist called as Henrik Dam first discovered Vitamin K1. He uncovered this by investigating the role of cholesterol in chickens, by providing them with only cholesterol-free food. After a certain amount of time, the chickens began hemorrhaging and bleeding.
Vitamin K, like other supplements, should be taken under the strict supervision of a physician, especially before giving to a child. Some people have difficulty in absorbing nutrients like Vitamin K as they are suffering from conditions like:
People suffering from deficiency should take multi-vitamins instead of a Vitamin K-only supplement. Under special circumstances, doctors might give the patient a shot of Vitamin K.
The daily Adequate Intake is:Life Stage | Age | Males(µg/day) | Females(µg/day) |
---|---|---|---|
Infants | 6 months | 2 | 2 |
Infants | 7-12 months | 2.5 | 2.5 |
Children | 1-3 years | 30 | 30 |
Children | 4-8 years | 55 | 55 |
Children | 9-13 years | 60 | 60 |
Adolescents | 14-18 years | 75 | 75 |
Adults | 19 years and above | 120 | 90 |
Pregnancy | 18 years and below | - | 75 |
Pregnancy | 19 years and older | - | 90 |
Breast-feeding | 18 years and above | - | 75 |
Breast-feeding | 19 years and below | - | 90 |
Food | Serving Size | Amount(mcg) |
---|---|---|
Kale | 1 cup | 1062.1 |
Spinach | 1 cup | 888.48 |
Mustard Greens | 1 cup | 829.78 |
Collard Greens | 1 cup | 772.54 |
Beet Greens | 1 cup | 696.96 |
Swiss chard | 1 cup | 572.77 |
Turnip Greens | 1 cup | 529.34 |
Parsley | 0.5 cup | 498.56 |
Broccoli | 1 cup | 220.12 |
Brussel Sprouts | 1 cup | 218.87 |
Romaine lettuce | 2 cups | 96.35 |
Asparagus | 1 cup | 91.08 |
Basil | 0.50 cup | 87.94 |
Cabbage | 1 cup | 71.40 |
Bok Choy | 1 cup | 57.80 |
Celery | 1 cup | 29.59 |
Kiwi fruit | 12 inches | 27.81 |
Leeks | 1 cup | 26.42 |
Coriander | 0.5 cup | 24.80 |
Sage | 2 tsp | 24.00 |
Green peas | 1 cup | 35.68 |
Cauliflower | 1 cup | 17.11 |
Cucumber | 1 cup | 17.06 |
Tomatoes | 1 cup | 14.22 |
Blueberries | 1 cup | 28.56 |
Grapes | 1 cup | 22.05 |
Carrots | 1 cup | 50.00 |
Cloves | 2 tsp | 5.96 |
Chilli peppers | 2 tsp | 5.71 |
Soybeans | 1 cup | 31.5 |
Avocado | 1 cup | 31.5 |
Raspberries | 1 cup | 9.59 |
Pear | 1 medium | 7.83 |
Cranberries | 1 cup | 5.10 |
Miso | 1 tbsp | 5.04 |
Bell peppers | 1 cup | 4.51 |
Plum | ½ to 1/8 inches | 4.22 |
Eggplant | 1 cup | 2.87 |
These may include:
For impaired blood clotting:
Vitamin K levels: Below 0.5 ng/mL
The prices for tests for Vitamin K deficiency depend on various factors; such as, the type of hospital or diagnostic centre, the kind of test being performed or the city in which the test is being performed. To get a comprehensive list of the price range of diagnostic tests in your city, click HERE.
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