Vitamin K: what it actually does
Vitamin K is essential for producing several proteins involved in normal blood clotting. It also plays a role in bone metabolism. It does not, however, act as a treatment for blocked leg arteries or poor circulation.
For circulation, the important distinction is:
- Normal clotting: Vitamin K helps your body make clotting factors.
- Blood clots in veins: Taking extra vitamin K does not prevent or dissolve dangerous clots such as DVT.
- Poor arterial circulation: Vitamin K supplements aren’t a proven treatment for peripheral artery disease.
- Older adults: Getting adequate vitamin K from a balanced diet is generally preferable to taking high-dose supplements without medical advice.
⚠️ Important if you take warfarin
If you’re taking warfarin, don’t suddenly increase or decrease your vitamin-K intake. Changes can alter how well warfarin works and affect your INR. The goal is usually to keep vitamin-K intake consistent, rather than eliminating vitamin-K foods.
Good food sources include leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collard greens, as well as broccoli and some vegetable oils.
If the article you saw names a different vitamin (such as vitamin D, B12, or vitamin E), send me the headline/link and I can identify it and fact-check the specific claims.
