Unit 3

Ashley Mueller

Kaplan University

HW205

Unit 3 paper

Vitamin K

Vitamin K, found in leafy green vegetables, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, is an essential nutrient to the liver. The human body receives vitamin K from certain foods such as okra, asparagus, prunes, and avocado, and from bacteria that normally live in the intestines.

All around the world, vitamin K is used as a medicine. There are 3 forms of vitamin K; K1, K2, and K3 (Vitamin K, 2014). Here in the U. S., vitamin K1 (phytonadione), is the only form available. Vitamin K1 is the ideal form since it is less toxic, works faster, and works better for certain illnesses (Vitamin K, 2014).

Also known as the clotting vitamin, vitamin K (Vitamin K, 2014), takes a big part in clotting. It is used to reverse the effects of blood thinning (Vitamin K, 2014). Some medical practitioners, those whom are for alternative medicine, believe that vitamin K3 can also be used to prevent cancer (Vitamin K, 2014). Vitamin K is also applied to the skin to remove spider veins, bruises, stretch marks and burns (Vitamin K, 2014). There are several conditions that do not have a rate of effectiveness from vitamin K, yet it is still used to help.

There is no need to take a vitamin k supplement unless there is a deficiency. Some signs of a deficiency include: persistent nose bleeds, heavy menstruation, unusually bleeding gums or blood in the urine or stools (Vitamin K, 2014). Adults whom eat their leafy greens regularly and of the right amount are more likely to get the amount of vitamin K needed (Vitamin K, 2014).

At birth, we all lack the protein to produce vitamin K. Most are given a vitamin K supplement by either injection or orally. Without the supplement, newborns are at risk for serious bleeding (Vitamin K, 2014). Once the supplement has been given in the hospital, there are no further ones needed of vitamin K unless symptoms arise.

Vitamin K is safe for most people, yet there are some concerns, precautions and...