Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting. Without it, even a small cut would cause continuous bleeding in the body. Vitamin K also plays an important role in kidney function and bone growth and repair - some studies have even shown that it may help prevent osteoporosis. Nutritionists categorize vitamins by the materials that a vitamin will dissolve in. There are two categories: w ater-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins, vitamins A, D, E and K are stored in the fat tissues of the body for a few days to up to 6 months. If you get too much of a fat-soluble vitamin, it can be stored in your liver and may sometimes cause health problems. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin. Some people take mega-doses of fat-soluble vitamins, which can lead to toxicity. Eating a normal diet of foods rich in these vitamins won't cause a problem. Remember, you only need small amounts of any vitamin.
How Much Vitamin K Is Enough?
Women should consume 65 micrograms a day of vitamin K, and men should consume 80 micrograms a day of vitamin K.
Intake:
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Vitamin K |
Babies 0 to 1 years |
2.0 mcg/day |
Children 1 to 3 years |
30 mcg/day |
Children 4 to 6 years |
50 mcg/day |
Children 7 to 9 years |
55 mcg/day |
Children 10 to 12 years |
60 mcg/day |
Teenager boy 13 to 15 |
70 mcg/day |
Teenager girl13 to 15 |
70 mcg/day |
Teenager boy 16 to 19 |
80 mcg/day |
Teenager girl 16 to 19 |
75 mcg/day |
Men |
120 mcg/day |
Women |
90 mcg/day |
Pregnant women |
90 mcg/day |
Nursing mother |
90 mcg/day |
Function:
Vitamin K is necessary for normal blood clotting and synthesis of proteins found in plasma, bone, and kidneys.
Sources:
Vitamin K is found in spinach, lettuce, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, wheat bran, organ meats, cereals, some fruits, meats, beef liver, dairy products, eggs, green tea.
Food |
Serving |
Vitamin K (mcg) |
Olive oil |
1 Tablespoon |
6.6 |
Soybean oil |
1 Tablespoon |
26.1 |
Canola oil |
1 Tablespoon |
19.7 |
Mayonnaise |
1 Tablespoon |
11.9 |
Broccoli, cooked |
1 cup (chopped) |
420 |
Kale, raw |
1 cup (chopped) |
547 |
Spinach, raw |
1 cup (chopped) |
120 |
Leaf lettuce, raw |
1 cup (shredded) |
118 |
wiss chard, raw |
1 cup (chopped) |
299 |
Watercress, raw |
1 cup (chopped) |
85 |
Parsley, raw |
1 cup (chopped) |
324 |