Supervitamins Series: Vitamin K!
The Clotting Crusader
Welcome back to our Supervitamins Series! This time, we’re diving into the often-overlooked superhero of the vitamin world: Vitamin K.
Take a trip back to the 1920s when Danish scientist Henrik Dam unravelled the mystery of vitamin K’s role in blood clotting. (The name “K” originated from the German word “koagulation,” marking its discovery as a pivotal moment in nutritional science.)
Let’s explore its role in blood clotting, bone health, and a host of other fascinating functions that make it an essential player in our well-being.
The Clotting Crusader
Vitamin K1, or Phylloquinone, takes center stage in our body’s clotting cascade. Picture this: You get a cut, and like a team of skilled medics, vitamin K rushes to the scene. It ensures our blood clots efficiently, preventing excessive bleeding. No wonder it’s earned the moniker “the clotting vitamin.”
The Bone Builder
But Vitamin K doesn’t stop there — it’s a dual-action hero. Enter Vitamin K2 or Menaquinone, the unsung champion of bone health. In a world obsessed with calcium, K2 ensures it gets to the right places. Imagine it as the traffic cop directing calcium to your bones and teeth while preventing it from causing roadblocks in your arteries and soft tissues.
Beyond Blood and Bones
Our superhero doesn’t limit itself to these blockbuster roles. Here are some lesser-known feats of Vitamin K:
1. Newborn Shield:
Did you know that newborns often receive a vitamin K injection shortly after birth? It’s a preventive measure against Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB), showcasing its importance from the get-go.
2. Gut Microbe Dance:
Vitamin K2 gets a helping hand from the trillions of microbes in our gut. These friendly bacteria assist in synthesizing K2, highlighting the intricate dance between our bodies and the microbial world within.
3. Brain Boost:
Emerging research suggests that Vitamin K might play a role in brain health and cognitive function. Stay tuned for exciting revelations as scientists uncover more about this brain-boosting aspect.
Where to Find Your Vitamin K Fix
Now that we’ve uncovered the superpowers of Vitamin K, where can you find it? Look no further than your plate! Leafy greens like kale and spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cashews, soybeans, turnips, beet, mustard and even fermented foods pack a punch of Vitamin K goodness.
Stay tuned for our next installment, where we’ll unravel the mysteries of another supervitamin! Until then, keep nourishing your body with the superhero nutrients it deserves.
