The fundamental role of vitamin K in the human body
Vitamin K is an essential nutrient for the human body, it is produced naturally in the digestive system and is also obtained through nutrition. This fat-soluble vitamin comes in two main forms: K1 (phylloquinone) and K2 (menaquinone). Both forms play a crucial role in blood clotting, which is essential for wound healing and prevention of excessive bleeding. In addition to this, vitamin K plays an important role in bone health and the cardiovascular system.
Food sources of vitamin K
Vitamin K1
Vitamin K1 is primarily found in vegetables such as kale, broccoli, and lettuce, as well as soybean oil. This form of vitamin K is essential for blood clotting.
Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 is found in meat, dairy products, and some types of cheese. This form of vitamin K is important for bone health.
In addition to ingesting vitamin K through food, the body can produce small amounts of this vitamin in the intestine thanks to the presence of bacteria in the digestive system. It is important to note that vitamin K is used medicinally to treat anticoagulant poisoning, as it can reverse the effect of these medications and promote clotting.
Benefits of vitamin K
blood clotting
Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, as it participates in the synthesis of specific proteins, such as prothrombin, necessary for blood clotting. Without vitamin K, our body would have difficulty stopping bleeding in case of wounds.
bone health
In addition to its role in blood clotting, vitamin K plays an important role in bone health. It contributes to the regulation of bone mineralization, essential for the prevention of osteoporosis and the maintenance of a strong skeleton as we age.
Sources of vitamin K in fruits.
Fruit is not the main source of vitamin K, but some fruits contain small amounts of vitamin K. These include kiwis, blueberries, grapes, and raisins.
Other foods rich in vitamin K
Leafy greens such as kale, chard, spinach, kale, and lettuce are especially rich in vitamin K1. Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin K1 and also provides other health-promoting nutrients. Asparagus is a good source of vitamin K and also contains fiber. Soybean oil is rich in vitamin K1, which can be used for cooking and meal preparation. Some fermented foods like sauerkraut and natto contain vitamin K2, which is important for bone health. Vitamin K2 is found in small amounts in dairy products and meats such as liver. Including a variety of these vitamin K-rich foods in your daily diet can help maintain an adequate level of this vitamin in the body, a crucial decision for good blood clotting and promoting healthy aging.
