Is vitamin K Deficiency aging you before your Time?

Like most people, you’ve probably never thought much about vitamin K. It certainly doesn’t receive anywhere near as much media coverage as vitamins C or D; however optimal vitamin K levels are essential for good health.

Recent research has found that being deficient in vitamin K places you at greater risk of heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis, effectively shortening your life and reducing its quality.

Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin; therefore it is in the same family as vitamins A, D and E. Its main function in the body is blood coagulation, also known as blood clot formation. It is very important for the blood to be able to clot when necessary, otherwise bleeding would not be controlled and large volumes of blood could be lost after minor cuts or injuries. Excessively heavy menstrual bleeding is sometimes caused by vitamin K deficiency. The drug warfarin (Coumadin) works to prevent blood clots by inhibiting the action of vitamin K.

Apart from blood clot formation, vitamin K is required in the body for the following functions:

• Bone mineralization

Vitamin K is required by proteins involved in bone formation and it enables the entry of calcium into bones. Vitamin K deficiency increases the risk of osteoporosis.

• Cell growth

Vitamin K is required for proteins involved in cell growth, cell division and cell death. Studies have shown that vitamin K deficient people are at increased risk of cancer.

• Artery health

Research has shown that deficiency of vitamin K increases the risk of hardening of the arteries that travel to the heart and brain, as well as hardening of the arteries in the kidneys. It is thought that vitamin K helps to prevent calcium deposits from forming in arteries. Deficiency of this vitamin increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Where is vitamin K found?

There are two main forms of vitamin K: vitamin K1 and vitamin K2. K1 is found in plants; particularly green leafy vegetables. The richest sources of vitamin K are spinach, collard, kale, cabbage, Asian leafy vegetables such as bok choy, broccoli, parsley, lettuce and extra virgin olive oil. Vitamin K2 is made by bacteria in your intestines. How much you produce is determined by your digestive health, the levels of good bacteria in your intestines and whether you have recently used antibiotics.

Who needs extra vitamin K?

• People with osteoporosis or osteopenia.

• Anyone wishing to keep their arteries healthy and avoid a heart attack or stroke.

• People with a digestive disorder that impairs absorption of vitamin K or production by beneficial bacteria; these conditions include celiac disease, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

• People taking long term or frequent doses of antibiotics.

• People with a liver disease that can impair storage of vitamin K in the body.

Raw vegetable juices – the best natural source of vitamin K

Making your own raw vegetable juices will improve your health, give you more energy, strengthen your immune system, as well as give you a hefty dose of vitamin K. Remember that dark green leafy vegetables are the best source of this vitamin; these can be mixed with some carrot, celery and beetroot for flavor and additional nutrients.
For delicious juice recipes see our book Raw Juices can Save your Life.

You can eat these vegetables cooked as well, as cooking does not destroy vitamin K.

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