Vitamin K Prevents Blood Clotting
Vitamin K is among the less well known of the vitamins that are essential parts of a healthy diet. Control of blood clotting is one of the most important purposes that this vitamin serves in the body.
That is to say it plays a significant role in the production of thrombin which is one of the body's most important substances related to blood clotting.
Vitamin K deficiencies can cause frequent nosebleeds and internal bleeding.
A deficiency is particularly serious for infants, especially those who are born prematurely, as it can contribute bleeding in the brain.
Vitamin K is important to the proper development and growth of babies in the uterus. There are very specific birth defects that are associated with deficiency. These include cupped ears, flat nasal bridges, shortened fingers and underdevelopment of the nose, mouth and the middle area of the face.
However, high levels of Vitamin K should be avoided during the last trimester of pregnancy because, as with all dietary supplements and medications, too much can be dangerous for the baby.
You should always discuss each and every dietary supplement you take during your pregnancy with your healthcare provider, even if it is something you've been taking for years and is a substance you know well.
Vitamin K is also important to the health of the bones.
It is involved both in their formation and in the repair of bones that are fractured or otherwise damaged.
Recent studies have found that Vitamin K may help to prevent or at least decrease the severity of osteoporosis and other bone diseases that cause what is called slow bone loss.
It is important to discuss your supplement plan with a licensed nutritionist and, if you are taking prescription medications, with your health care provider, because there are a variety of prescription medications that can interfere with absorption or the body's ability to use Vitamin K.
In fact, high doses of certain vitamins and minerals can do the same.
Vitamin K is very important to the body and must not be neglected or used incorrectly.
In addition to the benefits to physical health, Vitamin K has also been found to have cosmetic benefits as well.
The cosmetic uses of Vitamin K include successful treatment of those dark circles under the eyes.
Because of its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, research has found Vitamin K to be useful in combating the visual signs of the aging of the skin.
Using dietary Vitamin K supplements can be a safe and secure means of making sure that the body meets the daily intake requirements (100-150 mcg) for this essential vitamin, provided that dosage instructions are followed carefully. Although Vitamin K plays a vital role in the normal growth and development of the baby during pregnancy, too much can be toxic and that's why this is especially important during pregnancy.
Click here to subscribe to our RSS feed.