Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin. This is categorised with Vitamins A, D and E. There are 3 kinds of Vitamin K. Vitamin K1, Phylloquinone. Vitamin K1, Menaquinone and Vitamin B3, Menadione. The scientific name for Vitamins K1 and K2 is 2-Methyl-3-Hydroxy-1, 4-Naphthoquinone. Vitamin K was discovered in 1929 by Danish Scientist Henrik Dam.

Vitamin K2 contains a number of structures known as MK 1-9. The number following MK simply refers the length of the carbon chain extending from the Quinone Ring Structure. Vitamin K2 is the form we are able to make ourselves through the work of our healthy gut bacteria. Vitamin K1 is found in food. Particularly in foods that have undergone photosynthesis i.e. herbs, kale, spinach, lettuce etc.

There is no official guideline for how much Vitamin K we should consume but it is thought to be around 1mcg for every kilo of body weight. For example, 70kg person will require 70mcg. There is also no official disease state for Vitamin K, however symptoms of Vitamin K deficiency include poor healing, bad bruising, excessive internal and external bleeding, blood in the stool and urine.

Here are a few health benefits of Vitamin K :

• Vitamin K is the primary vitamin to help effective blood coagulation. Without it specific clotting factors would be out of action, and healthy clothing wouldn’t even occur. Taking a minor cut to a major problems.
• Vitamin K can improve cardiovascular health, particularly by preventing calcification of the artery. This hardening of the arteries can lead to blood clots, increase blood pressures and a heart attack or stroke.
• Vitamin K is thought to aid the absorption of calcium into the bones. Studies have shown that adequate Vitamin K in the diet has been shown to slow the onset of diseases such as Osteoporosis, prevents bone loss but also promotes bone mass.

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