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Vitamin K

10 simple ways to achieve inner stability

Vitamin K is often overlooked in daily life, even though it performs essential tasks: it stops bleeding, supports bone mineralisation and protects blood vessel walls. As it is fat-soluble, it needs a fat companion to be absorbed by the body. Would you like to know which foods and combinations work best?
  • Eat targeted, vitamin-rich foods

Regularly reach for dark green leafy vegetables such as kale (817 µg/100 g), spinach (305 µg/100 g) or lettuce (109 µg/100 g). Brassicas like broccoli and Brussels sprouts are also rich in vitamin K.

  • Use fresh herbs as a booster

Sprinkle fresh herbs like chives or watercress over soups, salads or quark regularly – even small amounts improve daily intake.

  • Incorporate legumes into your meals

Legumes are convenient vitamin K sources: chickpeas, mung beans and lentils work well in salads, stews or as a side dish.

  • Use high-quality vegetable oils wisely

They not only add flavour but also supply vitamin K, for example grapeseed oil, rapeseed oil or soybean oil. Use them for dressings or to finish dishes.

  • Combine vitamin-K foods with fat for better absorption

Because vitamin K is fat-soluble, you should eat green vegetables with some fat, e.g. spinach with a drizzle of olive or rapeseed oil or a slice of avocado, so your body can make optimal use of the vitamin.

  • Distinguish between vitamin K1 and K2 

Pay attention to the forms: K1 occurs mainly in green vegetables, K2 in fermented foods and certain cheeses. K2 remains in the body longer and can be particularly beneficial for bone health.

  • Support your gut flora with fermented foods

Part of the requirement is covered by gut bacteria. Regular consumption of yoghurt, sauerkraut or kimchi and a fibre-rich diet can support the gut flora and thus indirectly improve vitamin K supply.

  • Be aware of interactions with medications

Antibiotics and anticoagulant medications can affect the balance of vitamin K. Inform your treating physicians about changes in your diet or the use of new preparations.

  • Pay attention to storage and preparation

Vitamin K is sensitive to light and heat. Store green produce and oils in a cool, dark place. Also bear in mind that nutrient values can differ between raw and cooked vegetables (e.g. broccoli: raw 155 µg/100 g, cooked 270 µg/100 g).

  • Follow the recommended daily amounts

On average, adults need about 70–120 µg of vitamin K per day. Always take your individual situation into account (medications, health conditions).

editorial.facts

  • Without vitamin K, the body cannot produce the proteins necessary for blood clotting. This can lead to bleeding that is heavy and difficult to stop even from small injuries.
  • Vitamin K activates osteocalcin, which directs calcium into bone tissue. Insufficient vitamin K intake can, over time, lead to lower bone density and an increased risk of fractures.
  • Vitamin K helps protect vessels and cartilage from calcification and is involved in cell division and repair processes in organs such as the eye, kidney, liver and nerve cells.
  • Recent studies suggest that vitamin K may protect cells from programmed cell death (ferroptosis) – a mechanism that could be relevant in diseases such as Alzheimer’s or osteoarthritis.