Vitamin K:
The Little Known Vitamin K
Vitamin K is often considered the lesser known underdog of the vitamin world. Though it's not as popular as say Vitamin C or D, Vitamin K serves many important purposes in the body. Vitamin K has also been found to have cosmetic benefits as well.
One of the most important purposes of Vitamin K in the body is the control of blood clotting. In fact, K plays a significant role in the production of thrombin, which is one of the most important of the bodily substances involved in blood clotting. Deficiencies can cause frequent nosebleeds and even internal bleeding. A deficiency in Vitamin K is particularly bad for infants, especially premature babies, as it can contribute bleeding in the brain.
Vitamin K is also important to the bones and skeletal system. It is involved both in bone formation and in their repair. Recent studies have found that Vitamin K may help to prevent or at least decrease the severity of osteoporosis and other bone diseases that cause slow bone loss.
There are several more other physical benefits attributed to Vitamin K. It is important to the proper growth and development of babies in the womb. There exist very specific birth defects which are associated with Vitamin K deficiency. These include cupped ears, flat nasal bridges, shortened fingers, and underdevelopment of the nose, mouth and the middle area of the face.
However, it is important to remember that high levels of Vitamin K should be avoided during the last trimester of pregnancy because, as with all dietary supplements and medications, too much can be dangerous for the baby.
And on the note of medication, there are a variety of prescription drugs that can interfere with absorption or the body's ability to use Vitamin K. High doses of certain vitamins and minerals can also do the same. It is important, then, to understand what you are putting in your body and why.
The cosmetic uses of Vitamin K include success in treating those shadows under the eyes. Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, research shows Vitamin K to be useful in combating the visual signs of aging of the skin.
Using dietary supplements that contain Vitamin K can be a safe and efficient means of making sure the body meets the daily intake requirements. Some natural sources of Vitamin K include leafy green vegetable tops like turnip greens, red peppers, sweet potatoes, apricots, and fish liver oil.
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