Tag: Vitamin k risks

While dietary intake of vitamin K from sources like leafy greens is generally safe, high doses from supplements can pose specific risks, particularly for certain populations. Understanding what are the risks of taking vitamin K is crucial for anyone considering supplementation or managing specific medical conditions.

An estimated 60% of patients with chronic kidney disease have some form of vitamin K deficiency, which suggests insufficient intake is more common than widely assumed. A daily vitamin K2 supplement is gaining popularity for its potential benefits beyond blood clotting, particularly for bone and cardiovascular health.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended a routine vitamin K injection for all newborns since 1961 to prevent life-threatening bleeding. Despite decades of evidence and near-universal medical consensus, a small but growing number of parents still choose to decline vitamin K for their infants. This decision, often rooted in personal beliefs or misinformation, carries significant health risks that are crucial to understand.

According to the NIH, most Americans get enough vitamin K from their diets, and severe deficiency is rare. So, what happens when you take vitamin K every day, and is daily supplementation necessary for most people to maintain optimal health?

While severe vitamin K deficiency is rare in healthy adults, taking vitamin K every day can have both beneficial and potentially risky outcomes, particularly for those on specific medications. This daily intake primarily impacts blood clotting functions, bone health, and cardiovascular wellness.

Although natural vitamin K from food sources (K1 and K2) is not known to be toxic, synthetic forms and supplements, particularly at high doses or in specific medical situations, present clear and potentially dangerous risks. Understanding what are the negatives of taking vitamin K is vital for anyone considering supplementation or managing pre-existing health conditions.