Vitamin K - The Essential Coagulation Factor

Introduction: Vitamin K is a group of fat-soluble vitamins that play a crucial role in blood clotting and bone health. In this article, we will explore the forms, benefits, symptoms of deficiency, recommended doses, interesting facts, and the inclusion of this essential vitamin in myPEAK Wellness, An Award-Winning Vegan Multivitamin.

Forms of Vitamin K: Vitamin K exists in two primary forms: vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K2 (menaquinone). Vitamin K1 is predominantly found in leafy green vegetables, while vitamin K2 is produced by bacteria in the gut and is also present in certain fermented foods.

Benefits of Vitamin K:

• Blood Clotting: Vitamin K plays a crucial role in the coagulation process, assisting in the formation of blood clots to prevent excessive bleeding.
• Bone Health: Vitamin K is involved in the regulation of calcium and helps maintain bone density and strength.
• Cardiovascular Health: Emerging research suggests that vitamin K may contribute to heart health by supporting arterial health and reducing the risk of calcification.
• Brain Function: Vitamin K is believed to play a role in brain health and cognitive function.

Symptoms of Vitamin K Deficiency: Vitamin K deficiency is rare but can occur in certain conditions that affect fat absorption or in individuals taking certain medications. Symptoms may include:

• Excessive bleeding or easy bruising
• Blood clotting abnormalities
• Weakened bone strength

Recommended Doses: The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin K varies depending on age and sex. For adults, the RDA ranges from 90 to 120 micrograms (mcg) per day. It is important to note that individual requirements may vary based on factors such as overall health and medication use.

Interesting Facts about Vitamin K:

• Vitamin K1 is involved in the photosynthetic process of plants, while vitamin K2 is produced by bacteria.
• Fermented foods, such as natto, sauerkraut, and certain cheeses, are dietary sources of vitamin K2.

myPEAK Wellness, An Award-Winning Vegan Multivitamin includes a blend of vitamin K along with over 25 other essential nutrients and 70+ fulvic trace minerals from ElevATP® Ancient Peat and Apple Polyphenol Extract, and more to create the most comprehensive multivitamin on the market. The formulation ensures adequate vitamin K supplementation for individuals following a vegan lifestyle or those seeking to support their blood clotting and bone health.

References:

• National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin K. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminK-HealthProfessional/
• Shea, M. K. (2016). Vitamin K. Encyclopedia of Food and Health, 350-355.