Vitamin K for coagulation of blood

Vitamin A   Vitamin B complex  Vitamin C  Vitamin D  Vitamin E  Vitamin K

Coagulation is a complex biological process by which blood clots. 'Koagulation' is a German word meaning coagulation. Hence the fat soluble, essential organic micronutrient responsible for blood clotting is named Vitamin K ('K' from 'Koagulation').
Vitamin K is categorised into three forms, depending upon their origin and structure.
Vitamin K₁ (phylloquinone) is synthesised by the plants.
Vitamin K₂ (menaquinone) has sub forms and it is produced by the gut bacteria.
The synthetic form is Vitamin K₃ (menadione).
Vitamin K₁ helps in blood clot regulation, reduces inflammations and bone loss.
Vitamin K₂, by activating osteocalcin, moves calcium into skeletal tissues and protect it from osteoporosis.
Vitamin K₃, as it can cause serious side effects, is not allowed for use in supplements and it is only used in the treatment of cancer.

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Deficiency

Deficiency of vitamin K rarely occurs, as it is produced by gut bacteria and also can be sourced from food of plant origin.
Prolonged use of antibiotics, by destroying the gut bacteria may cause deficiency of this vitamin.
Persons with impaired intestinal absorption may also suffer from the deficiency of vitamin K.
Persons who are on anticoagulants may also experience deficiency.
Risk of vitamin K deficiency is high in new born infants as their gut bacteria would not have established.
Infants may suffer from bleeding inside their skull, if they are deficient in vitamin K. This situation may be life threatening.
Pregnant women and women who are nursing newborns must particularly consume good plant sources of vitamin K.
In deficiency blood clotting mechanism is impaired resulting in prolonged bleeding.
Initial symptoms are, bleeding gums, nasal bleeding, blood traces in urine and stools and heavy and prolonged menstruation.
In severe deficiency the patient may bleed to death.

Toxicity

Toxicity is not encountered for vitamin K₁ and vitamin K₂. There can be some allergic reactions.
As for vitamin K₃ severe side effects may be experienced and hence its use is restricted.

Sources

Leafy vegetables, fruits and whole grains are good sources of vitamin K.