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The Importance of Vitamin K and its Natural Sources

Vitamin K is probably the lesser known of the vitamins, despite it having such a crucial role in the human body. The reason for its lack of publicity is probably that deficiency is very rare, partly because it is efficiently recycled in the human body. Also, it was not discovered until the 1920's, quite by accident in an experiment with chickens on cholesterol by Enrik Dam.

Vitamin K, though, does have several essential roles, the most notable of which is in the coagulation of the blood. In fact, some refer to the vitamin as the coagulating vitamin, and was originally called Koagulation in German, hence vitamin K. The blood clotting role is a critical one, and a deficiency can lead to frequent nosebleeds and internal bleeding. This can be especially dangerous in premature babies, as the bleeding could take place in the baby's brain.

Vitamin K is also believed to be important to bone health, being involved in both the growth and repair of bones; after a fracture, therefore, vitamin K takes on a key role in rehabilitation. Some recent studies have even suggested a possible role in vitamin K helping to prevent, or minimise the extent of, osteoporosis.

Other possible benefits of vitamin K are:

1. For the healthy growth of babies in the uterus, as certain birth defects are related to vitamin K deficiency, such as shortened fingers, cupped ears and other malformations. However, professional advice is always important here, as too much vitamin K can be harmful to the baby too.

2. Possible cosmetic value has been claimed, for example for treating those dark circles under the eyes and other anti-aging skin symptoms. Vitamin K has antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties, which could explain the cosmetic benefit.

Natural Sources of Vitamin K

Vitamin K can be found naturally in a number of vegetables, including broccoli, cabbage and other brassicas, plus spinach, lettuce and parsley. There are other sources of the vitamin also.