There are many nutrients without which we are not able to function properly. Some are produced in our body, others must be provided with food or in the form of dietary supplements. Among these compounds, vitamins have a significant role to play, and most of them we are not able to produce on our own. However, deficiencies of basic vitamins have a negative effect on health, so they should be supplemented immediately, not forgetting about such an important one as vitamin K.

Before dealing with this particular representative of vitamins, we should find out what they actually are and their basic division. The scientific definition defines vitamins as organic chemical compounds, characterized by a diverse structure. As we already know, even a small amount of them is necessary for numerous metabolic processes occurring in the human body.

The first vitamin, B1, or thiamine, was synthesized by the Polish scientist Kazimierz Funk, who also created its name from a combination of two words, “X” and “X”.The first vitamin B1, or thiamine, was synthesized by the Polish scientist Kazimierz Funk, who also created its name from the combination of two words, “vitae”, meaning life, and “amina”, meaning an amino group. Gradually, other vitamins were added to thiamine and divided into two basic groups, which are now as follows:

It is this group of vitamins that must be regularly supplemented from the outside, as they are not stored in the body. Even if there is an excess, it is quickly removed with fluids such as urine. Water-soluble vitamins include:

The second, no less important, group of vitamins are those that dissolve only in fats, necessary for them to be properly assimilated. Unlike the water-soluble ones, they are stored in the body, so there is a risk of overdosing. If we supply them only with food, it is relatively small, but when we additionally take vitamin supplements, it can increase significantly. The list of water-soluble vitamins is shorter and we find on it:

By vitamin K we mean a whole group of chemical compounds that our body cannot do without. It was discoveredby Henryk Dama in 1935, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize a few years later. In nature it occurs in two fat-soluble forms, there is also a synthetic variety soluble in water, so we distinguish:

Since vitamin K, as well as other vitamins, is essential, we must somehow supplement its deficiencies. This can be done with the help of dietary supplements, but a better and recommended method is to provide vitamin K together with a properly selected diet. It can be found in many foods, so what we eat every day should include such vegetables as:

Animal products, especially beef and beef liver, eggs, canola oil and olive oil, as well as cereals such as wheat and nuts are all rich in vitamin K. groatsand nuts. It is found in somewhat smaller amounts in non-fermented dairy products, such as yellow cheese.

We already know what vitamin K is, what are its types and sources, so it’s time to learn about its properties positively affecting our health. Its action is considered by specialists as comprehensive, because it has a direct impact on:

With the right amount of vitamin K it is possible to capture calcium, to deliver it exactly to the places where it is needed and to correctly develop bone tissue. This also helps prevent dangerous bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Interestingly, without vitamin K, calcium begins to build up in excessive amounts in blood vessels, quickly leading to calcification.

Vitamin K deficiencies take a toll on the skeletal system because it is involved in the production of osteoblasts. These are the cells responsible for binding calcium molecules, thus strengthening our bones. Without regular supplementation of this vitamin our bones may undergo irreversible changes, their density decreases, they become more fragile and more susceptible to fractures, which additionally take a very long time to heal. Similarly, it affects the condition of teeth, preventing damage to the enamel and stimulating the growth of new, stronger dentin.

Diseases of the heart and circulatory system take an increasing toll every year, and one of their causes may be vitamin K deficiency. Its appropriate level helps prevent, among others, life-threatening atherosclerosis, whose characteristic symptom is calcification of blood vessels in the lower limbs. The risk of its development is reduced by more than 30 percent, and equally dangerous coronary heart disease by more than 20 percent. In addition, vitamin K strengthens weakened vein walls, preventing their cracking, which will be particularly appreciated by people suffering from varicose veins. It also allows to maintain the correct amount of prothrombin and other compounds conditioning proper blood clotting.

Vitamin K supplementation also supports the work of the nervous system, taking part in the processes of production of nerve cells. At the same time, it prevents the degeneration of those already existing, which is of great importance for our memory and overall mental performance, so we can maintain them until old age.

The skin also needs to be cared for throughout life, in order to enjoy as long as possible its smoothness, firmness and absence of disfiguring changes such as acne, cellulite, hyperpigmentation and characteristic spider veins denoting tiny blood vessels bursting under the skin. In order to prevent all of them and eliminate the existing ones, it is necessary to use cosmetics with vitamin K and supplement deficiencies with dietary supplements containing it. Its effect on the skin comes down to:

You can take supplements to adhere to the above dosages, but a better way to get it is through a properly composed diet full of the foods listed above.

It occurs relatively rarely, especially in adults, but there are situations, especially disease states, that can reduce the level of vitamin K, which we can recognize by the symptoms that appear:

Which can also happen, although fortunately also very rarely. An overdose of vitamin K usually occurs when the proper amount of vitamin K is provided with food and, in addition, we start taking dietary supplements having it in their composition. In such a case one should expect the following symptoms: