Vitamin K: what is it used for?
Like vitamin D, vitamin A or even vitamin E, vitamin K is a so-called fat-soluble vitamin, that is to say that it is soluble in fats, but not in water, and that it can be stored by the body.
Vitamin K is essential for the proper functioning of the body, since it plays a role in particular in blood clotting, in cell growth. It also contributes to bone mineralization. Finally, this vitamin is reputed for its interest in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
There are two types of vitamin K:
- Vitamin K1, found in certain foods, mainly green vegetables
- Vitamin K2, which it is synthesized by our organism, more precisely by the bacteria of the intestinal flora
In what types of food is vitamin K found?
Vitamin K1 is found in some plant-based foods, especially green vegetables.
Aromatic herbs are also an excellent source of vitamin K1… and are even the big winners in this area. Parsley, basil, thyme, etc.: do not hesitate to flavor your dishes with these aromatic herbs, fresh or dried, to fill up on vitamin K1.
As for vitamin K2, it is possible to find it in certain foods of animal origin, which manufacture it through the fermentation process. Organ meats, fermented milk products, for example, contain significant quantities.
Can we miss vitamin K?
The level of vitamin K necessary for the proper functioning of the body is relatively low, but must be renewed regularly. Thus, having a balanced and varied diet helps to avoid deficiencies, and supplementation is very rarely useful in adults. In addition, a properly functioning intestinal flora will naturally produce the necessary amount of vitamin K2, without the need for an external boost.
In infants, on the other hand, deficiencies are more frequent, especially in premature babies. At birth, a dose of vitamin K can be administered orally, to prevent deficiencies and the risks of associated bleeding.
Vitamin K deficiency, people at risk are:
- Newborns
- Premature babies
- Patients on prolonged antibiotic treatment who do not have a diet rich enough in vitamin K
- Patients taking certain drug treatments which may interfere with the body's synthesis of vitamin K
- Patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease
- Patients with cystic fibrosis
⋙⋙ Discover the 15 foods that contain the most vitamin K
Read also :
⋙ Vitamins, minerals… Do you have your dose? Take the test
⋙ Vitamins, fibers: 12 fruits and vegetables whose skin should be eaten
⋙ Green diet: the benefits of this method and the advice of a nutritionist to get started