Helping blood clot after injury

According to Health Shots, one of vitamin K's most important roles is its involvement in blood clotting. The body needs this vitamin to produce proteins that help form blood clots, preventing continued bleeding when blood vessels are damaged.

Without sufficient vitamin K, blood may clot slower than normal, leading to prolonged bleeding from wounds. Individuals with a deficiency may also experience easy bruising, nosebleeds, or bleeding gums. In severe cases, a deficiency can cause internal hemorrhaging.

Maintaining strong bones

Vitamin K is involved in the function of osteocalcin, a protein crucial for bone tissue formation and maintenance. This nutrient helps the protein function properly, contributing to the regulation of bone mineralization.

The body requires vitamin K, alongside calcium, vitamin D, protein, and other nutrients, to maintain bone structure. Bone health also depends on overall diet, weight-bearing exercise, hormone levels, and many other factors.

A diet rich in green vegetables helps supplement vitamin K. Photo: Bui Thuy

Supporting blood vessel function

Vitamin K can help activate proteins that control calcium accumulation in blood vessel walls. This reduces abnormal calcium deposits, helping maintain blood vessel elasticity and health. Everyone should supplement vitamin K through a varied diet, while maintaining appropriate blood pressure and cholesterol levels to protect cardiovascular health.

Contributing to cognitive health

Vitamin K possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation, factors linked to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Alzheimer's is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, causing a gradual decline in memory, thinking ability, language, and recognition. Patients may forget recent events, repeat questions, and struggle with time and place orientation, according to The Times of India.

The recommended daily intake of vitamin K for adult men aged 19 and older is approximately 120 mcg, and 90 mcg for women. To supplement this vitamin, everyone should maintain a varied diet, regularly consuming green leafy vegetables such as spinach, collard greens, broccoli, and cabbage. Eggs, meat, fish, cheese, and some fermented foods also contribute to providing this nutrient.

Vitamin K is fat-soluble; combining green vegetables with a small amount of vegetable oil or healthy fats in meals enhances the body's absorption.

Le Nguyen (Compiled)