The unsung nutrient: How vitamin K fortifies bones, clots blood and may shield the heart
Newborns cannot produce vitamin K and are at risk of severe bleeding; therefore, the American Academy of Pediatrics mandates an intramuscular vitamin K injection within six hours of birth to prevent potentially fatal hemorrhage.
Vitamin K is fat-soluble, stored in the liver and fatty tissues, and comes in two forms: K1 (from leafy greens) and K2 (from gut bacteria and fermented foods). The liver needs to produce clotting factors that stop bleeding.
Vitamin K is necessary for activating osteocalcin, which binds calcium to bone, but research is mixed. While some studies show it may improve bone density, other rigorous trials found it does not significantly reduce fractures, making it necessary but not sufficient for bone health.
Vitamin K activates a protein that prevents calcium from hardening in artery walls, suggesting a potential role in preventing heart disease. However, clinical trials have not yet proven it to be effective for cardiovascular protection.
Deficiency is exceptionally rare in the general population, occurring mainly in newborns or those with malabsorption issues. The medical consensus advises getting vitamin K from food (leafy greens and fermented foods) rather than supplements, as megadoses can interfere with anticoagulant therapy.
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