There are two main forms of vitamin K found in food: phylloquinone and menaquinone.
Phylloquinone is essential for blood clotting and is the main dietary source of vitamin K for most people.
Menaquinone is important for bone health and may have additional roles in cardiovascular health and other bodily functions.
Benefits
- Supports blood clotting: Vitamin K is essential for the production of certain proteins necessary for blood clotting, which supports normal blood clotting.
- Bone health: It aids in the regulation of calcium and contributes to bone mineralization, thus promoting bone strength and density.
- Cardiovascular health: Some research suggests that vitamin K may help support cardiovascular health by limiting calcium buildup in the arteries.
Fun fact
The name "vitamin K" comes from the German word "Koagulation," as its discovery was initially linked to its role in blood clotting.
References
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (2023, December 15). Vitamin K: Fact sheet for health professionals. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminK-HealthProfessional/