Vitamin K refers to a group of fat-soluble vitamins that play a role in blood clotting, regulating blood calcium levels, and bone metabolism. In the liver, vitamin K helps supports prothrombin and factors VII, IX, and X, which are necessary for blood to clot properly.

Most people get all the vitamin K they need through a varied and balanced diet. Because vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, any vitamin K in the body that is not needed immediately is stored in the liver for future use. Green leafy vegetables, including broccoli and spinach, vegetable oils, and fortified cereals, are all good sources of vitamin K.

In the UK, for people who eat a healthy, balanced diet, vitamin K deficiency is rare. However, people with conditions that limit the absorption of dietary vitamins, such as biliary obstruction, coeliac disease, ulcerative colitis, and cystic fibrosis, can be at risk of vitamin K deficiency. Vitamin K supplements are available but monitoring the dose is important as too much can be harmful, so please speak with your doctor before supplementing vitamin K.

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