Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin K
For the body system: Capillaries

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Vitamin K is scientifically validated to play a critical role in supporting the health and function of the capillaries and the broader vascular system. Vitamin K is a group of fat-soluble vitamins, the most notable being K1 (phylloquinone) and K2 (menaquinone). Its primary and most established function is its role as a coenzyme for gamma-glutamyl carboxylase, which is essential for the activation of clotting factors in the coagulation cascade. This is crucial for preventing excessive bleeding from capillaries and small vessels. Deficiency in vitamin K can lead to increased capillary fragility and a tendency to bruise or bleed easily, a condition known as hemorrhagic disease. Additionally, some research suggests that vitamin K is important for maintaining vascular health beyond its role in coagulation. Vitamin K-dependent proteins, such as matrix Gla-protein (MGP), help inhibit vascular calcification, which can affect the integrity and elasticity of blood vessels, including capillaries. While most of the direct evidence for capillary support comes from its anti-hemorrhagic effects, these findings collectively support the notion that vitamin K is vital for capillary stability. Supplementation is particularly important in populations at risk for deficiency, such as newborns, people with fat malabsorption, or those on long-term antibiotics. In summary, vitamin K’s use for supporting capillary health is primarily scientific, with well-established mechanisms related to proper blood coagulation and evidence for broader vascular protection.

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