Who needs Vitamin K the most? NEW study on Aortic Calcification and Vitamin K2

Vitamin K is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. It’s important for blood clotting and healthy bones and also has other functions in the body. If you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), it’s very important to get about the same amount of vitamin K each day.Vitamin K is found naturally in many foods. You can get recommended amounts of vitamin K by eating a variety of foods, including the following:
Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and lettuce
Vegetable oils
Some fruits, such as blueberries and figs
Meat, cheese, eggs, and soybeansVitamin K deficiency is very rare. Most people in the United States get enough vitamin K from the foods they eat. Also, bacteria in the colon make some vitamin K that the body can absorb. However, certain groups of people may have trouble getting enough vitamin K:
Newborns who don’t receive an injection of vitamin K at birth
People with conditions (such as cystic fibrosisceliac diseaseulcerative colitis, and short bowel syndrome) that decrease the amount of vitamin K their body absorbsVitamin K is important for healthy bones. Some research shows that people who eat more vitamin K-rich foods have stronger bones and are less likely to break a hip than those who eat less of these foods. A few studies have found that taking vitamin K supplements improves bone strength and the chances of breaking a bone, but other studies have not. More research is needed to better understand if vitamin K supplements can help improve bone health and reduce osteoporosis risk.
People who have had bariatric (weight loss) surgeryFor general information on vitamin K:Office of Dietary Supplements Health Professional Fact Sheet on Vitamin K
Vitamin K, MedLinePlus®
For more information on food sources of vitamin K:Office of Dietary Supplements Health Professional Fact Sheet on Vitamin K
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDAFoodData Central
USDA Nutrient Lists for vitamin K as either:Phylloquinone, the form of vitamin K found in green leafy vegetables, listed by food or by content, or
Menaquinone, a form of vitamin K found in fermented foods and foods that come from animals, listed by food or by content
For more advice on choosing dietary supplements:Office of Dietary Supplements Frequently Asked Questions: Which brand(s) of dietary supplements should I purchase?
For information about building a healthy dietary pattern:MyPlate
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminK-Consumer/