




But it also means that you need to be careful. The “K” comes from the Danish and German word koagulation (coagulation) or clotting. Blood clots stop your injuries or wounds from bleeding so they can heal. One of vitamin K’s most important jobs is to make four of the 13 proteins needed for blood clotting. More research is needed, but we do know vitamin K plays an important role in both blood clotting and bone strengthening. And recently, researchers found that a form of vitamin K acts as an antioxidant that could be a key in preventing Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions. Vitamin K may even reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and death. It may help ease morning sickness and protect cognitive (mental) ability. Some studies suggest that what vitamin K does for your body may go beyond bones and blood. Gut bacteria in your body also produce this type. Vitamin K2, or menaquinone (pronounced “men-ah-kwi-nohn”): This less common type is found in some animal foods and fermented products.Vitamin K1, or phylloquinone (pronounced “fil-oh-kwi-nohn”): This more common type is found mostly in plant foods, especially green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale.There are two types of vitamin K, which come from different sources: Vitamin K is a fat-soluble (meaning it dissolves in fat) vitamin that helps your body develop and function properly. “By eating a balanced diet, you should be able to meet your needs for Vitamin K,” says registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD. “It’s good to know which foods are rich in this essential vitamin that does so much for our bodies in case your diet is falling short, so you can make any adjustments needed.” What is vitamin K? But unless you have a diagnosed vitamin K deficiency, it’s better to get your K from foods. You can also buy vitamin K as a nutritional supplement. Vitamin K occurs mainly in plant-based foods and fermented products like sauerkraut. You typically get enough vitamin K through food. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.
