Natural Vitamin K is a group of three related substances, K1, K2, and K3. Natural form of Vitamin K is Vitamin K1 or phylloquinone.
All the natural K vitamins are fat soluble and stable to heat. The nutrient can be destroyed by the effects of alkalis, strong acids, radiation, and oxidizing agents. With the help of bile salts or pancreatic juice the vitamin is carried to the liver from the small intestine for the synthesis of prothrombin, a factor responsible for blood clotting. Excess of Vitamin E can deplete the layers of Vitamin K in the human body.
Vitamin K 1 is naturally found in plants, Vitamin K2 or menaquinone is made by the bacterial action on the gastrointestinal tract and Vitamin K3 or menadione is a toxic form that releases free radicals.
Natural Vitamin K was discovered in 1929 by Dr. Henrik Dam. This nutrient plays a key role in coagulation and improves blood clotting. Majority of the people have forgotten and overlooked the significance of this nutrient but the fact remains it plays an essential role in many vital activities of the human body.
Natural sources of Vitamin K are dark leafy greens, alfalfa, most green plants, blackstrap molasses, safflower oil, liver, meat, milk, yogurt, egg yolks, fish liver oils and kelp. The best source of Vitamin K is the source produced by intestinal bacteria. To keep the bacteria active for regulating vital body functions, it is essential to reduce the consumption of sugars and processed foods. The best natural source of vitamin K2 is a Japanese food called Natto, made from fermented soybeans. K2 helps the natural vitamin, K1, to perform various body functions.
The primary function of natural Vitamin K is synthesis of prothrombin. It also aids in the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin that is required for converting fibrogen to active fibrin clot. This vitamin is also beneficial for kids in prevention of hemorrhage and other minor bleeding problems.
Deficiency of Vitamin K causes a major problem in blood clotting as it directly affects the synthesis of prothrombin, factor necessary for blood clotting process.