USANA Essential Tips

Vitamin K- another of the fat soluble vitamins that actually has three forms: phytomenadione, menaquinane and menadione, three similar compounds commonly referred to as quinines. Another of the vitamins that the body is able to produce and does so using the bacteria found in the large intestines. Often referred to as the ‘blood clotting’ vitamin because that is the task most commonly associated with it, it has many other important functions and those other capabilities are often overlooked when discussing the benefits of this vitamin.

Sources of Vitamin K

Leafy green vegetables, so be sure to eat spinach, kale, broccoli, collard greens, okra, asparagus, cabbage, brussel sprouts, green beans and turnip greens. Also found in dairy products like corn and soya oil, liver, eggs, fish, seaweed, lentils, potatoes, nuts and alfalfa.

Symptoms of a Vitamin K Deficiency

Deficiencies of this vitamin are more common among people who have digestive trouble. It relates to the body’s ability to properly absorb nutrients, those who have had bowel surgery may also have insufficient levels of Vitamin K. Vitamin K is so crucial to the blood clotting process, one of the most recognizable symptoms of a deficiency is the amount of time it takes blood to clot, another indicator is a person who bleeds easily and for long periods of time. People with a Vitamin K deficiency also develop bruises more quickly than normal, injuries that normally would be considered minor can become serious situations when blood does not clot as it should.