In 1929, Henrik Dam of Denmark discovered vitamin K. Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin has been implicated in both cardiovascular and bone health.
Vitamin K is needed for the production of prothrombin which is necessary for blood clotting. The blood clotting process involves the participation of a number of vitamin K dependent plasma proteins. They include factors II (prothrombin), XII (pro-convertin), IX (Christmas factor) and X (Stewart factor) and proteins C, S, Z and M.
It is also essential for bone formation and repair; it is necessary for the synthesis of osteocalcin, the protein in bone tissue on which calcium crystallizes. Consequently, it may help prevent osteoporosis.
The importance of the availability of sufficient vitamin K for the rate of carboxylation became evident when it was shown that osteocalcin circulating in the blood of normal volunteers only reach full carboxylation when vitamin K supplements were given.
Vitamin k plays important role in the intestine and aids in converting glucose into glycogen for storage in the liver, promoting healthy liver function.
It may increase resistance to infection in children and help prevent cancers that target the inner linings of the organs. It aids in promoting longevity.
The importance of vitamin K
