What are some vitamin K benefits?

Many only know about the most common vitamins like B, C, D, etc. But what about vitamin K? Research has shown that it has a plethora of positive effects on your body.

There are a few primary benefits to vitamin K.  They include:

Coagulation and clotting.
Many people around the United States and the world are at risk for forming blood clots.  Blood clots are harmful because they block the flow of blood in your arteries, brain, heart, and lungs.  A blockage can result in a stroke, embolism, or heart attack.  There are some anticoagulates the require vitamin K, such as warfarin, that indirectly inhibit coagulation.

Cell growth
Vitamin K is relied on by Gas6, a protein that is believed to play a role in cellular growth regulation.  It’s also believed to play a crucial role in the development and aging of the nervous system.

Bone Mineralization
There are a few proteins that are dependent on vitamin K that are involved in the mineralization of bones.  These include osteocalcin, Matrix GLA protein, and protein S.  They can be found in our bone and cartilage, as well as some soft tissue.

March 10th, 2008