Vitamin K is an essential vitamin that can help you improve your blood circulation and protect your bones . In addition, the consumption of this vitamin is related to the prevention of various problems that can affect your health, such as bleeding diseases, diabetes and anxiety.
Similarly, its consumption can help you improve the appearance and health of your skin, reducing bruises, dark circles and inflammation . It can also improve wound healing and prevent complications from bleeding. Learn about the main benefits of vitamin K!
What is vitamin K?
Vitamin K is a type of fat-soluble or water-soluble vitamin that is found naturally mainly in green leafy plants . Similarly, there are microorganisms capable of producing another form of vitamin K with a similar impact on the body. Likewise, it can be found in dietary supplements for people with certain circulatory problems.
This vitamin can help to synthesize various proteins necessary for the proper functioning of the body and is absorbed in the small intestine . Also, this type of vitamin is stored mainly in fatty tissue, liver, pancreas, heart, brain and bones, although it is found throughout the body.
However, vitamin K tends to break down quickly, so it is not stored in large amounts . Therefore, unlike other types of fat-soluble vitamins, it does not usually reach toxic levels.
Types of vitamin K
Vitamin K can be consumed in 3 different ways.
- Phylloquinone (K1) : It is the main source of vitamin K and is found mainly in green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale .
- Menaquinone (K2) : is another source of vitamin K obtained from animal derivatives and some fermented foods . In addition, it can also be produced by bacteria found in the liver
- Menadione (K3) : is a synthesized variety that is used in dietary and multivitamin supplements .
Vitamin K3 is considered the most potent of this group for its effects on the human body . However, it is believed that the body does not have the ability to easily absorb this type of vitamin.
Properties of vitamin K
Vitamin K has important properties that can help protect the body in case of accidents thanks to the proteins it synthesizes . In this sense, it is involved in the creation of prothrombin, which promotes blood clotting. In addition, osteocalcin is another protein dependent on this vitamin that helps regenerate bone tissue.
In this way, due to its properties, vitamin K can help heal wounds, bruises, scars and stretch marks . In addition, it can reduce dark circles or dark spots near the eyes, puffiness in the skin and some vascular problems. Likewise, it has antioxidant properties that can help prevent diseases such as cancer.
Main benefits of vitamin K
Vitamin K offers important benefits that can help you improve your health and control bleeding in the event of accidents.
Can control blood clotting
Vitamin K helps make proteins like prothrombin that are involved in blood clotting . In this way, by maintaining its recommended levels, excessive bleeding can be controlled and uncontrolled blood loss in open wounds can be reduced.
In this sense, it is recommended for people with hemorrhagic diseases and hypoprothrombinemia . Also, it can help control the effects of the drug Warfarin, which is used in people whose blood clots easily.
May prevent cardiovascular disease
Thanks to the antioxidants and proteins that depend on this vitamin, its consumption can help you prevent cardiovascular disorders and improve heart health . In addition, it can help prevent mineralization in the arteries that can hinder blood circulation.
In this sense, it is recommended to reduce calcium plaques in the heart and arteries, and control blood pressure . Therefore, it is recommended for people with cardiovascular diseases.
May improve bone health
This vitamin is related to the production of various proteins such as osteocalcin, which favors the absorption of calcium in the bones . In this way, consuming vitamin K can promote bone growth and development, prevent fractures, and protect the spine.
Therefore, older adults are advised to consume foods rich in vitamin K, as their bones can weaken . Likewise, its consumption is recommended in people with bone diseases such as osteoporosis.
May help control blood glucose levels
Consuming vitamin K can help you control blood glucose levels, helping to prevent various problems that can affect health . In this way, it is recommended to prevent and control the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, especially vitamin K2.
Likewise, these benefits are also related to reducing anxiety and depression in some people . In addition, it can help prevent cognitive decline from aging or various diseases.
conclusion
Vitamin K has an important function in the body, as it can help control bleeding and prevent complications from it . In the same way, it can facilitate the absorption of calcium in the bones to strengthen them and prevent calcium plaques in the arteries and the heart.
Likewise, due to its antioxidant properties, it can help prevent anxiety, depression and control blood sugar levels . In addition, it could help prevent cataracts and various types of cancer such as colon, breast, prostate, liver and lung.
References
- Eske, J. (2019, April 29). What to know about vitamin K-2 . Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325059
- Pearson, K. (2017, September 15). Vitamin K1 vs K2: What's the Difference? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-k1-vs-k2
