


People who are prescribed anticoagulants (also called blood thinners) to prevent blood clots from forming in the heart, lung, or legs are often informed about vitamin K. Vitamin K helps to make four of the 13 proteins needed for blood clotting, which stops wounds from continuously bleeding so they can heal. For adults 19 years and older, the AI for vitamin K is 120 micrograms (mcg) daily for men and 90 mcg for women and for those who are pregnant or lactating. The AI amount is estimated to ensure nutritional adequacy. Recommended AmountsĪI: An “adequate intake” (AI) is used when there is not enough evidence to establish a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Because of this, it rarely reaches toxic levels in the body even with high intakes, as may sometimes occur with other fat-soluble vitamins. It is broken down very quickly and excreted in urine or stool. Vitamin K is found throughout the body including the liver, brain, heart, pancreas, and bone. Osteocalcin is another protein that requires vitamin K to produce healthy bone tissue. Prothrombin is a vitamin K-dependent protein directly involved with blood clotting. Vitamin K helps to make various proteins that are needed for blood clotting and the building of bones. Menaquinones can also be produced by bacteria in the human body. The other type, menaquinones, are found in some animal foods and fermented foods. The main type is called phylloquinone, found in green leafy vegetables like collard greens, kale, and spinach. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes in two forms.
