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What Does Vitamin K Do And How Do You Can Combat A Deficiency?

What Does Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a lesser-known nutrient, but that does not alter the fact that it is extremely important for good health. That is why it is important to get enough of this vitamin every day.
But what does vitamin K do and what symptoms are associated with a deficiency of this vitamin? We are happy to answer those questions in this article. We also describe where vitamin K is contained. We make the distinction between vitamin-rich food and supplements.

What does vitamin k do?

What Does Vitamin K1The fat-soluble vitamin K is one of the vitamins that your body needs to function properly. But what exactly does this fat-soluble vitamin do and what is its effect?

First of all, let's clarify that there are two types of vitamin K, namely vitamin K1 and vitamin K2. Both types do the same thing in your body. For example, they contribute to good blood clotting. Do you have a small wound that is bleeding? This vitamin, among other things, ensures that the blood clots faster.
In addition, this fat-soluble vitamin is necessary to achieve a healthy bone metabolism. Not only does this mean that vitamin K contributes to strong bones; it also ensures that micronutrients such as minerals can be better absorbed into your bones.
Some people also take extra of this vitamin to become more resistant to viruses. However, this has not been scientifically proven. Caution is therefore advised to increase the intake of this vitamin yourself when this is not necessary.
It should be clear that, given the effect, vitamin K is important for your body. Now that we know what this nutrient does in your body, let's look at some of the common symptoms that can result from a deficiency of this vitamin below.

Vitamin K deficiency symptoms

A vitamin K deficiency can arise from various causes. Think of an unhealthy diet, long-term use of antibiotics, and a serious intake disorder. These causes can eventually result in symptoms and health problems.
A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to symptoms such as:

  1. Calcification of the veins
  2. A delayed blood clotting
  3. Inflammation of the joints
  4. Bone decalcification
  5. The accelerated aging process (mainly cognitive)

Do you think you are deficient in this vitamin? Consult a medical specialist, such as your general practitioner. That person can show through blood tests whether you have a lack of this essential vitamin.

What is vitamin K in?

What Does Vitamin K2You may be wondering: What is vitamin K in? This is important to know; for example when you have to combat a deficiency of this vitamin.

Overall, you can get extra of this vitamin by adding certain foods or supplements to your diet.
We would like to highlight some of these vitamin-rich foods that contain a lot of this micronutrient. You can also read more information about vitamin supplements below.

Food rich in this vitamin

It is best to choose natural foods that contain a lot of vitamin K. But what types of food are these? Well, you can enrich your diet with foods such as:

  1. Kale
  2. Dairy products
  3. Broccoli
  4. Cereals
  5. egg yolk
  6. Spinach

Vitamin supplements

In addition to food, there are also vitamin K supplements. These vitamin supplements are especially useful for those who need to quickly remedy a deficiency. In addition, they can be used by people who cannot naturally absorb this vitamin in their bodies.
Newborn babies are also usually given 1 milligram of this essential vitamin. This is because there is no vitamin K in the placenta. To ensure good health and healthy growth of a newborn baby, he or she, therefore, receives a supplement with this vitamin shortly after birth.
Finally, we emphasize that supplements never replace a healthy and varied diet. They should only be used as a supplement to a natural and beneficial diet.

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