Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a Fat-Soluble Vitamin.  Chemically a type of Quinone. Vitamin K is rarely publicized, but recent research has shown that is possesses many additional health benefits in addition to the cardiovascular functions that were classically acknowledged.

 Vitamin K - Health Benefits

Amino Acids

 Vitamin K is an essential catalyst for the incorporation of Gamma-Carboxyglutamate into Osteocalcin and Prothrombin.  ^[1]

Carbohydrates

 Vitamin K may facilitate the conversion of Glucose into Glycogen.

Enzymes

 Vitamin K is an essential cofactor for many Carboxylases.  ^[2]

Hormones

 Vitamin K1 may activate inactive Calcitonin.

Krebs Cycle

 Vitamin K may facilitate the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) within the Mitochondria. 

Lipids

 Vitamin K (especially the Vitamin K2 form) may increase the Brain’s production of Sphingomyelin.  ^[3]

Minerals

 Vitamin K may increase the levels of Calcium within the Bones (by activating Calcitonin) and inhibits the accumulation of excessive Calcium in other organs of the body such as the Heart and Arteries.  ^[4]

Polyphenols

 Vitamin K may enhance the effectiveness of Ipriflavone when Ipriflavone is used to stimulate Bone formation and to treat Osteoporosis.  ^[5]

Proteins

 Vitamin K may inhibit the breakdown of Collagen.  ^[6]

 Vitamin K is required for the production of Matrix Gla Protein.  ^[7]

 Vitamin K is involved in the synthesis of Osteocalcin (Osteocalcin must be saturated with Carboxyl Groups and this attachment of Carboxyl Groups requires Vitamin K).  ^[8]

 Vitamin K is essential for the production of Prothrombin. 

Immune System Chemicals

 Vitamin K may inhibit the production of excessive Interleukin 6 (IL-6).  ^[9]

Lipids

 Vitamin K may inhibit the production of Prostaglandin E2.  ^[10]

Proteins

 Vitamin K (Vitamin K2 form) may lower Fibrinogen levels (however an impractically high dosage of 70 - 700 mg per day is required in order to achieve this effect).  ^[11]

Digestive Chemicals

 Adequate Bile levels are required for the optimal absorption of Vitamin K.

 Adequate Pancreatic Juice levels are required for the optimal absorption of Vitamin K.

Microorganisms

 Vitamin K can be manufactured within the Small Intestine by Lactobacillus Bacteria:

 Vitamin K can be manufactured within the Small Intestine by Lactobacillus acidophilus.  ^[12]

Proteins

 The Fat-Soluble form of Chlorophyll contains Vitamin K (Vitamin K1 form) within its molecular structure.