The function of vitamin K is crucial for the body, though unfortunately these compounds, it is not commonly used as a dietary supplement. This vitamin itself is actually a group of compounds. Vitamins K1 and K2 are the most important part of this group. Vitamin K1 group, can be obtained from the consumption of vegetables, especially the green ones. Meanwhile, a group of vitamin K2, is a compound which is largely acquired by eating meat, cheese, and eggs which will then be synthesized by bacteria.
Vitamin K belonged to the fat-soluble vitamins. This vitamin can be found in many foods, such as spinach, broccoli, soy beans, cereal grains, and oilseeds. Adequate intake of vitamin K plays an important role in the process of blood clotting and bone health. Vitamin K deficiency can occur at any age, but babies have a higher risk to experience it. This deficiency can lead to bleeding that is difficult to stop. Prevention and handling is done by giving supplements of vitamin K.
Recommended daily intake of vitamin K
For each kilogram of body weight of adults, it takes about 0,001 mg of vitamin K. Seeing this number is modest, could be described that when an adult weighing 55 kg, then he will need as much as 0.055 mg of vitamin K each day. Meanwhile, an adult weighing 95 kg requires a number of these vitamins as much as 0.095 mg per day.
To be able to get adequate amounts of vitamin K for the body, it is easy to do. Someone just needs to eat a varied and balanced food. Do not be too concerned if too much vitamin K. Until now, no studies which provide sufficient evidence that there was a negative effect if the body of excess vitamin K.
The good news is, sometimes it does not meet the required quota is also not a problem. Because vitamin K that enters the body is not directly used. When this compound comes in, vitamins are stored in the liver for future use. Nevertheless, it would be wiser if it meets as needed for balance is always better than too little or too much.
Meanwhile, based on US National Institutes of Health site, vitamin K recommended intake is as follows:
| Age | Male | Female | Pregnancy | Lactation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth to 6 months | 2.0 mcg | 2.0 mcg | ||
| 7-12 months | 2.5 mcg | 2.5 mcg | ||
| 1 -3 years | 30 mcg | 30 mcg | ||
| 4-8 years | 55 mcg | 55 mcg | ||
| 9-13 years | 60 mcg | 60 mcg | ||
| 14-18 years | 75 mcg | 75 mcg | 75 mcg | 75 mcg |
| 19+ years | 120 mcg | 90 mcg | 90 mcg | 90 mcg |
Important functions of Vitamin K
Some of the things below are a function of vitamin K for the body that should be known.- Accelerate wound healing: One of the functions of vitamin K are classified as important for blood clotting. If the body does not have enough vitamin K, then even small wounds can take a very long time to heal.
- Preventing bleeding in the newborn: Newborns, have levels of vitamin K, which is very little, because vitamin K can not penetrate the placental tissue. In addition, newborns do not have the bacteria that assist in the formation of vitamin K in the gastrointestinal tract. This can increase the risk of haemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN) or bleeding disease of the newborn. This disease can cause damage to the baby's brain from bleeding. Therefore, newborns are strongly advised to get a shot of vitamin K.
- Play a role in strengthening bones: In addition to assisting the process of blood clotting, vitamin K also has the potential to be involved in bone development process. A medical study suggested a link between low levels of circulation of vitamin K in the body with low bone density a person.
Based on the importance function of vitamin K above, then we should not underestimate the need to balance these compounds in the body. If you want to take supplements of vitamin K, make sure the amount is not excessive because the effect is not known whether it can harm the body. To be more accurate, then the things you should do is discuss it with your doctor.
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Writen by:
Solmob - Monday, September 5, 2016
