Have you been looking for details associated for a vitamin that sounds a little odd? After vitamin A, B, C, D and E, why does the next vitamin is referred to as vitamin K? Vitamin K itself contains several group of compounds known as vitamin K1, K2, K3 and K4. - Phylloquinone (vitamin k1) is extracted from plants.
- Menaquinon (vitamin K2) is formed by bacteria present in the intestinal tracts of animals and human beings.
- Menadione (vitamin K3) is unnaturally made by man.
- Menadiol (vitamin K4) is also man-made. It can be used to make K2 when used by the intestinal bacteria.
- While K1, K2 and K3 are fat-soluble compounds, K4 falls in the category of being water-soluble.
So what is vitamin K necessary for? - Protects the heart
- Supports the growth of bone
- Helps to treat warfarin drug overdose
- Transport calcium to the body and supports coagulation of blood.
So what is the actual role of this vitamin? It helps the blood to clot and stop from flowing we get cut. Moreover, it also helps to control the internal bleeding of our body if we get injured or hit. The body uses vitamin K for the production of proteins that helps in clotting the blood and prothrombin. This vitamin is also essential for the biosynthesis of certain proteins present in the kidneys, bones and in plasma. Vitamin K is not recommended for people who had heart strokes earlier or who are at a risk of getting strokes. These people are usually on medication that supports blood thickening while the function of vitamin K is exactly the opposite. Therefore, people who are susceptible to heart related diseases should avoid foods that are rich in vitamin K. Also, they should not attempt to go for any supplements that include the elements of vitamin K in them. Vitamin K is usually found in food sources like leafy green vegetables and from vegetable oils that include soybean oil and olive oil. Green tea and beef liver is also a great source of vitamin K. If there is deficiency of vitamin K in the body, it is likely that a person may experience more bleeding than usual. In severe cases, a person may bleed to death if not taken immediate action. So now that you know the importance of vitamin K and the role it plays in the functions of the body, it is must that you take sufficient amount of this vitamin in your diet. If you do not like to consume the food sources of this vitamin, you can always look for supplements that can be taken in replacement of these food sources. Above, you can find a list of different vitamin K supplements. Go through the specific details before choosing the best vitamin K supplement for yourself. | 
