Should we be eating more Vitamin K?

[tracy1976]

I heard that eating more vitamin K can help to protect you against COVID-19. Is this true?

[Ron]

Some researchers in the Netherlands have found that some patients who have died or who have been admitted to intensive care with COVID-19 were deficient in Vitamin K. COVID causes blood clotting resulting in the degradation of elastic fibers in the lungs. Vitamin K, which is ingested through food and absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract is vital to the production of protein and regulating coagulation and can help to protect against lung disease, which may be beneficial for helping to combat the disease.

Vitamin K (it can be found in hard and blue cheese, as well as in spinach and eggs) You can also take a supplement, but like all vitamins you don't want to ingest too much of it. Also, if you're on blood thinners, you should watch your vitamin k intake since it effects coagulation. Additionally, there are two types of vitamin K, K1 and K2, and researchers have found that K2 may be better because it is better absorbed by the body. K2 is typically found in harder cheeses like dutch and french cheeses as well as egg yolks, meat, liver, high-fat dairy and fermented soya beans known as natto. K1 is in leafy greens and fruits like blueberries. Who knows if there is actually any truth to this, but if there is, that would seriously be awesome!

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[Nelly]

That's really interesting stuff Ron! I didn't really know any of that. However, based on all the foods that Vitamin K is in and how much the average person needs on a daily basis, I think most of us would have the sufficient amounts that we need, so I wouldn't think taking a supplement is necessary. Plus, overdoing it with this vitamin isn't a good thing either. I would say that if someone thinks they may need a supplement, they should run this by their doctor first.

[treehuggertodd]

That's really interesting stuff Ron! I didn't really know any of that. However, based on all the foods that Vitamin K is in and how much the average person needs on a daily basis, I think most of us would have the sufficient amounts that we need, so I wouldn't think taking a supplement is necessary. Plus, overdoing it with this vitamin isn't a good thing either. I would say that if someone thinks they may need a supplement, they should run this by their doctor first.

Agreed. Also keep in mind that just because researchers have noticed this pattern in COVID patients, it doesn't mean anything yet. They still have to study and prove that it is the case. Until then, try not to get too caught up into worrying about what people say about foods, nutrition, etc. related to COVID (good or bad). Until there is solid proof, what is said is only speculation. To keep yourself healthy, focus on eating a healthful well-balanced diet, drink adequate water, exercise and get proper rest. Avoid public gatherings, wear your mask when you are inside public places or too close to people, and keep your hands washed frequently.

[tobetinytina]

Agreed. Also keep in mind that just because researchers have noticed this pattern in COVID patients, it doesn't mean anything yet. They still have to study and prove that it is the case. Until then, try not to get too caught up into worrying about what people say about foods, nutrition, etc. related to COVID (good or bad). Until there is solid proof, what is said is only speculation. To keep yourself healthy, focus on eating a healthful well-balanced diet, drink adequate water, exercise and get proper rest. Avoid public gatherings, wear your mask when you are inside public places or too close to people, and keep your hands washed frequently.

Yes!! Exactly!! Remember that it's important to read the news and listen to the latest research and theories, but until something is proven and backed up with solid facts, that what you hear with a grain of salt. :)

[Gina]

Yes!! Exactly!! Remember that it's important to read the news and listen to the latest research and theories, but until something is proven and backed up with solid facts, that what you hear with a grain of salt. :)

Yeah, there's no quick fix for this sickness. All you can do is adopt a healthy lifestyle as much as you can and stay safe.

[brightstar]

Yeah, there's no quick fix for this sickness. All you can do is adopt a healthy lifestyle as much as you can and stay safe.

very true. Just try to stay healthy and safe everyone, especially in the fall!

[jenny25]

I have to agree that taking vitamins that you don't need can be very dangerous. It's honestly why I avoid taking multivitamins. Too much of one thing isn't good for you and unless you know precisely what you are getting from your diet, it's really hard to know what you need and what you don't.