Health Benefit of Vitamin K
The only known biological role of vitamin K is that of the required coenzyme for a vitamin K-dependent carboxylase that catalyzes the carboxylation of the amino acid, glutamic acid, resulting in its conversion to gamma (g)-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla). Although vitamin K-dependent carboxylation occurs only on specific glutamic acid residues in a small number of proteins, it is critical to the calcium-binding function of those proteins.
The ability to bind calcium ions (Ca2+) is required for the activation of the seven "vitamin K-dependent" clotting factors in the coagulation cascade. The term, "coagulation cascade," refers to a series of events, each dependent on the other that stops bleeding through clot formation. Vitamin K-dependent gamma (g)-carboxylation of specific glutamic acid residues in those proteins makes it possible for them to bind calcium. Vitamin K dependent coagulation factors are synthesized in the liver. Consequently, severe liver disease results in lower blood levels of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors and an increased risk of uncontrolled bleeding (hemorrhage).
Although vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, the body stores very little of it, and its stores are rapidly depleted without regular dietary intake. Perhaps, because of its limited ability to store vitamin K, the body recycles it through a process called "the vitamin K cycle." The vitamin K cycle allows a small amount of vitamin K to function in the g-carboxylation of proteins many times, decreasing the dietary requirement.
Source of Vitamin K Rich Food
Vitamin K is most commonly found
in green leaf-like food like spinach, green tea, cabbage,
turnip greens, and brussels sprouts. Other foods high in Vitamin K include alfalfa,
soybeans, cheddar cheese, oats, and cauliflower. So if you’re a big salad
eater, chances are that you’re getting a very
healthy dose of Vitamin K.
Below are good sources of vitamin K and food containing vitamin K:
- Soya beans
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Wheat bran
- Wheat germ
- Cauliflower
- Lettuce
- Beef, liver
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
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