Vitamin K is one of the most essential nutrients that are required by the body in very small amounts, but on regular basis. Vitamin K is responsible for forming certain compounds referred to as “coagulation factors.” These factors collectively work to clot the blood when you suffer from an injury. Deficiency of vitamin K results in excessive bleeding, even if a minor injury occurs. Vitamin K is also responsible for preventing bone loss, and inadequate levels of vitamin K may result in low bone density. Vitamin K can be divided into the following three categories.
- Vitamin K1: Scientifically known as phylloquinone, this comes with the consumption of a regular daily diet. Small quantities of vitamin K1 are present in green leafy veggies, vegetable oils, and dairy products. It is also produced synthetically as an oral as well as an injectable supplement. This is used for the treatment of certain conditions that cause excessive bleeding.
- Vitamin K2: Referred to as menaquinone, this is produced by the bacteria and natural flora present in the intestines.
- Vitamin K3: Also known as menadione, this is produced synthetically. Vitamin K3 is administered to adults only for certain typical conditions.
answered by A S