It is not the most well-known vitamin, but its contribution is vital to health as its functions are crucial in preventing serious problems. This micronutrient is important for Blood clotting and for the maintenance of some strong bonestwo vital processes that directly depend on adequate intake.
All of these functions respond to the Vitamin Kbelongs to the group of fat-soluble vitamins, which means that it dissolves in fats and is stored mainly in the liver. Without this vitamin, the body cannot activate certain proteins necessary to stop bleeding, explains MedlinePlus, which increases the risk of prolonged bleeding even from small wounds.
Vitamin K deficiency is rare in healthy adults because it is common in the diet and can be stored by the body. However, it can occur in people with fat absorption problems, with prolonged treatment with antibiotics, or in newborns. This is why babies receive vitamin K after birth Prevent bleeding.
Beyond its role in blood clotting, vitamin K plays a prominent role in bone health. This micronutrient is involved in the activation of proteins that help fix calcium in bones, maintaining their density and resistance. According to health experts at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra, adequate intake may be linked to a lower risk of fracturesparticularly in older people, a group that is more susceptible to bone loss.
According to MedlinePlus, there are two main forms of vitamin K that reach our bodies. Vitamin K1, also called phylloquinone, is mainly found in foods of plant origin. Vitamin K2 or menaquinone, in turn, is found in animal products and fermented foods and can also be produced in small quantities by bacteria in the intestine. Although both perform similar functions, vitamin K2 has attracted scientific interest due to its possible additional role in vitamin K2 Cardiovascular and bone health.
Regarding food, the University of Navarra Clinic states this green leafy vegetables They are the richest and best-known source of vitamin K. Spinach, chard, kale, romaine lettuce and mustard greens concentrate large amounts of vitamin K1 and form the basis for a diet that easily covers your daily needs. There are also other vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage, which also provide significant quantities.
Foods of animal origin and fermented products primarily provide vitamin K2. In this way meat, liver, Eggs, fish, dairy products and some cheeses belong to this group. Although their content is usually lower than that of green leafy vegetables, the latter contributes to diversifying the sources of this nutrient in the daily diet.
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