Vitamin K1
Phytomenadione
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NUTRIENT FACTS
Nutrient Type
YES
ATC Code
No
Deficiency Diseases
YES
Dietary Sources
YES
Summary
Vitamin K1 helps the body make proteins needed for blood clotting, which is the process that stops bleeding. It also supports bone health by helping maintain strong bones.
You can get Vitamin K1 from leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli. Some vegetable oils also contain it. Cooking these vegetables can help your body absorb more Vitamin K1.
Not having enough Vitamin K1 can lead to bleeding disorders, which are conditions where blood doesn't clot properly. Symptoms include easy bruising and bleeding gums. Severe deficiency can cause internal bleeding.
The daily requirement for adult men is about 120 micrograms, and for adult women, it's about 90 micrograms. It's best to get Vitamin K1 from food unless a healthcare provider advises supplements.
Taking Vitamin K1 supplements can be safe, but excessive amounts can interfere with blood thinners like warfarin, which are medications that prevent blood clots. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Vitamin K1 do?
Vitamin K1 is a vitamin essential for blood clotting. It helps the body produce proteins needed for blood coagulation, which is the process that prevents excessive bleeding when injured. Vitamin K1 is crucial for maintaining healthy bones and preventing bleeding disorders. It plays a vital role in overall health by ensuring proper blood clotting and bone health.
How can I get Vitamin K1 from my diet?
Vitamin K1 is primarily found in plant-based foods. Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli are rich sources. Some vegetable oils also contain Vitamin K1. Cooking methods can affect absorption; for example, cooking vegetables can enhance Vitamin K1 availability. People with malabsorption syndromes may have difficulty absorbing Vitamin K1 from food.
How does Vitamin K1 affect my health?
Vitamin K1 deficiency can lead to bleeding disorders because it is essential for blood clotting. Symptoms include easy bruising, nosebleeds, and bleeding gums. Severe deficiency can cause internal bleeding. Newborns, people with malabsorption disorders, and those on long-term antibiotics are at higher risk. It's important to ensure adequate intake of Vitamin K1 to prevent these health issues.
Who can have low levels of Vitamin K1?
Certain groups are more at risk for Vitamin K1 deficiency. Newborns are at risk because they have low stores of Vitamin K1 at birth. People with malabsorption disorders, such as celiac disease, may not absorb Vitamin K1 well. Those on long-term antibiotics can also be at risk, as these medications can disrupt gut bacteria that help produce Vitamin K1.
What diseases can Vitamin K1 treat?
Vitamin K1 is used to treat and prevent bleeding disorders due to its role in blood clotting. It is effective in reversing the effects of anticoagulant medications like warfarin in cases of overdose. Vitamin K1 is also used in newborns to prevent bleeding, as they naturally have low levels of this vitamin. The evidence supporting these uses is strong and well-documented.
How do I know if I have low levels of Vitamin K1?
To diagnose a Vitamin K1 deficiency, doctors may perform a blood test to measure prothrombin time, which is the time it takes for blood to clot. A prolonged prothrombin time can indicate a deficiency. Symptoms like easy bruising and bleeding may also suggest a deficiency. Additional tests may be needed to identify underlying causes, such as malabsorption issues.
How much supplement of Vitamin K1 should I take?
The daily requirement of Vitamin K1 varies by age and gender. For adult men, it's about 120 micrograms per day, and for adult women, it's about 90 micrograms per day. Pregnant and breastfeeding women have similar requirements. There is no established upper limit for Vitamin K1, but it's important to get it from a balanced diet rather than supplements unless advised by a healthcare provider.
Will supplements of Vitamin K1 interfere with my prescription medicines?
Yes, Vitamin K1 supplements can interact with certain prescription medications. The most notable interaction is with anticoagulants, which are blood thinners like warfarin. Vitamin K1 can reduce the effectiveness of these medications, leading to an increased risk of blood clots. It's important to monitor Vitamin K1 intake if you're on anticoagulants and consult with a healthcare provider to adjust medication dosages if necessary.
Is taking too much of Vitamin K1 harmful?
Vitamin K1 supplementation can be harmful if taken in excess, especially for individuals on anticoagulant medications like warfarin. Excessive Vitamin K1 can counteract these medications, increasing the risk of blood clots. There is no established upper limit for Vitamin K1, but it's important to avoid unnecessary supplementation and consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
What is the best supplement for Vitamin K1?
Vitamin K1, also known as phylloquinone, is the primary form of Vitamin K found in supplements and foods. It is highly bioavailable, meaning it is easily absorbed by the body. There are no significant differences in side effects or tolerability among its forms. Most people choose Vitamin K1 supplements for their effectiveness and ease of use, especially if dietary intake is insufficient.
Content of Selected Foods
| Food | Milligrams (mg) per serving | Percent DV* |
|---|---|---|
| Natto, 3 ounces (as MK-7) | 850 | 708 |
| Collards, frozen, boiled, ½ cup | 530 | 442 |
| Turnip greens, frozen, boiled ½ cup | 426 | 355 |
| Spinach, raw, 1 cup | 145 | 121 |
| Kale, raw, 1 cup | 113 | 94 |
| Broccoli, chopped, boiled, ½ cup | 110 | 92 |
| Soybeans, roasted, ½ cup | 43 | 36 |
| Carrot juice, ¾ cup | 28 | 23 |
| Soybean oil, 1 tablespoon | 25 | 21 |
| Edamame, frozen, prepared, ½ cup | 21 | 18 |
| Pumpkin, canned, ½ cup | 20 | 17 |
| Pomegranate juice, ¾ cup | 19 | 16 |
| Okra, raw, ½ cup | 16 | 13 |
| Salad dressing, Caesar, 1 tablespoon | 15 | 13 |
| Pine nuts, dried, 1 ounce | 15 | 13 |
| Blueberries, raw, ½ cup | 14 | 12 |
| Iceberg lettuce, raw, 1 cup | 14 | 12 |
| Chicken, breast, rotisserie, 3 ounces (as MK-4) | 13 | 11 |
| Grapes, ½ cup | 11 | 9 |
| Vegetable juice cocktail, ¾ cup | 10 | 8 |
| Canola oil, 1 tablespoon | 10 | 8 |
| Cashews, dry roasted, 1 ounce | 10 | 8 |
| Carrots, raw, 1 medium | 8 | 7 |
| Olive oil, 1 tablespoon | 8 | 7 |
| Ground beef, broiled, 3 ounces (as MK-4) | 6 | 5 |
| Figs, dried, ¼ cup | 6 | 5 |
| Chicken liver, braised, 3 ounces (as MK-4) | 6 | 5 |
| Ham, roasted or pan broiled, 3 ounces (as MK-4) | 4 | 3 |
| Cheddar cheese, 1½ ounces (as MK-4) | 4 | 3 |
| Mixed nuts, dry roasted, 1 ounce | 4 | 3 |
| Egg, hard boiled, 1 large (as MK-4) | 4 | 3 |
| Mozzarella cheese, 1½ ounces (as MK-4) | 2 | 2 |
| Milk, 2%, 1 cup (as MK-4) | 1 | 1 |
| Salmon, sockeye, cooked, 3 ounces (as MK-4) | 0.3 | 0 |
| Shrimp, cooked, 3 ounces (as MK-4) | 0.3 | 0 |
- * DV means Daily Value. It’s a number set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to show how much of a nutrient you should get each day. For example, the Daily Value for calcium is 1,300 mg for adults and kids aged 4 and older. Food labels must show how much calcium they contain. If a food gives you 20% or more of your daily calcium need, it’s considered a high source. Even if a food gives less, it can still be part of a healthy diet.
Required (or Advised) Daily Intake
| Age | Male | Female | Pregnant | Lactating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–6 months | 2.0 | 2.0 | - | - |
| 7–12 months | 2.5 | 2.5 | - | - |
| 1–3 years | 30 | 30 | - | - |
| 4–8 years | 55 | 55 | - | - |
| 9–13 years | 60 | 60 | - | - |
| 14+ years | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 |
