Vitamin K

Question 1

What are the two forms that vitamin K comes in?

Answer 1

1) Phylloquinone: found in leafy greens such as collard greens, spinach, and kale.
2) Menaquinonees: found in animal and fermented foods, and are also produced via bacteria in the body.

Question 2

What are the properties of Vitamin K?

Answer 2

1) Vitamin K is used to build bones and allows blood clotting.

Question 3

How does vitamin K affect blood clotting?

Answer 3

Vitamin K is an essential component in the protein Prothrombin, which is directly involved in allowing blood to clot.

Question 4

How does vitamin K affect bone construction?

Answer 4

Osteocalcin is a vitamin K-dependent protein and is used to construct healthy bone tissue.

Question 5

What is the recommended adequate intake and what foods provide high vitamin K?

Answer 5

Males --> 120mcg
Females --> 90mcg
Phylloquinone Sources:
Any green, leafy vegetables, soybean, and canola oil.
Menaquinones Sources:
Natto (fermented soybeans)
Smaller amounts in meat, cheese, eggs

Question 6

What are Vitamin K deficiency symptoms?

Answer 6

Extended periods of Bleeding, Hemorrhaging, and/or osteopenia or osteoporosis (loss of bone mass)