Vitamin K: Importance, Benefits & Dietary Sources

Vitamin K plays an important role in the human body's functioning. A fat-soluble vitamin, it requires fat to be absorbed by the body. Most adults obtain an adequate amount of vitamin K in their diets.

Fun Fact

• The "K" in vitamin K stands for the German word "koagulation." It refers to the blood clotting process, which requires vitamin K.

Recommendation

• The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine recommends that adults over the age of 19 obtain 90 micrograms of vitamin K per day. For teenagers, between 14 to 18 years old, the recommended amount is 75 micrograms of vitamin K per day.

Deficiency

• In adults, a vitamin K deficiency is rare. The body conserves vitamin K, which can be found in a wide variety of foods.

Sources

• Vitamin K can be found in soybean oil, broccoli, raw kale, cereals, cauliflower and mayonnaise.

Interactions

• If you take a blood thinner like warfarin, vitamin K rich foods may interfere with the medication's function. Consult a healthcare provider about potential interactions.