Vitamin K

Vitamin K is directly involved in blood clotting and so extremely important in helping wounds to heal.

What is vitamin K used for and does it really work?

A diet high in sugar can lead you to have lower levels of vitamin K than is ideal. It’s not stored in sufficient quantities in the body for use so you need to ingest some regularly to be healthy. Other aspects such as high calcium intake can also affect vitamin K levels adversely and, as vitamin K is also involved in healthy bones and teeth, this is of particular importance.

Those with Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis or other conditions that disrupt asorption of vitamins and minerals from food may be deficient in vitamin K, although generally speaking it is rare.

What’s the best way to take vitamin K?

As with most vitamins the ideal way to ingest vitamin K is via a healthy, varied diet. But you can also get supplements at your local healthfood shop or supermarket, usually as part of a multivitamin.

NHS recommendations are to consume 1 microgram of vitamin K for every kilogram of body weight daily.

Where can I get vitamin K?

Green vegetables, fortified cereals, cheese, eggs, beef and liver are all good sources of vitamin K.

What are the side effects or contraindications of taking vitamin K?

Ingesting too much vitamin K can result in nausea, shaking and sweating. Supplements contain safe amounts, if taken according to instructions.