A to Z Nutrients
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W Y
K
| Vitamin K |
Vitamin K is necessary
for the formation of prothrombin, needed for blood coagulation, and it
helps increase strength of capillaries. Signs of deficiency include
lack of prothrombin, with an increase in the tendency to hemorrhage and
a tendency to bleed and bruise easily.
The natural forms of vitamin K are K-1 and K-2.
K-1 occurs in green plants, and K-2 is derived from petrified fish meal.
There is no known toxicity for humans for either of these, whereas the
synthetic K-3, menadione, has been found to have possible toxicity in
excessive doses.
Recommended amounts are infants: 12-20 mcg; children:
15-100 mcg; adults: 300-500 mcg.
