Vitamin K The Missing link

Vitamin K1 is also known as phylloquinone or phytomenadione (phytonadione), while vitamin K2 includes menaquinone and menatetrenone. Vitamin K2 is typically produced in the large intestine by bacteria. Unless the individual has intestinal damage which undermines their ability to absorb the vitamin, dietary deficiency is extremely rare. In some cases, administering a broad spectrum antibiotic long-term may reduce the vitamin-producing bacteria population. Vitamin K is crucial for proper blood coagulation (clotting) it helps make 4 of the 13 proteins required for blood clotting. It is also involved in maintaining good bone health as we age.
Good sources of vitamin K1 include, Green leafy vegetables like Spinach, Swiss chard, Cabbage, Kale, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Avocado, Kiwifruit, Grapes and Parsley.
Good sources of vitamin K2 include, Meat, Eggs, Dairy products, Natto (Japanese food made from soybeans fermented with Bacillus subtilis).
Vitamin K helps with many important functions in our body. Vitamin K helps your body heal wounds, maintain your blood vessels and keep your bones healthy. Vitamin K may also help in preventing fractures (broken bones), especially in women after menopause.
Warfarin (also known as Coumadin) is a drug used to prevent blood clots from forming. It works as a blood thinner. Vitamin K can stop Warfarin from working as well as it should.
Food sources of vitamin K do not need to be avoided if you are taking this drug. For the drug to work well, your intake of this vitamin should remain as constant as possible.
Sudden changes in the amount of vitamin K you eat should be avoided, which can happen if you are following a quick weight loss plan or eating more green leafy vegetables than usual.
Vitamin K2 also works synergistically with a number of other nutrients, including calcium and vitamin D., vitamin K2 has the potential to improve disease activity besides osteoporosis in those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It was found that vitamin K2 serves as a mitochondrial electron carrier, thereby helping maintain normal ATP production in mitochondrial dysfunction, such as that found in Parkinson’s Disease. Vitamin K2 is needed throughout pregnancy, and later while breastfeeding. It may be particularly important during the third trimester, as most women have lower levels at that time.
The latest vitamin D daily recommendations for about 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day if you are an adult, means you would need in the neighborhood of 200 micrograms of vitamin K2 to prevent Osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke and cancer.