Vitamin K

Activates clotting factors and proteins involved in bone metabolism.

Swiss reference value

Switzerland age 18–65: 70 µg/day.

Good food sources

K1: leafy greens, broccoli and vegetable oils. K2: fermented foods and some animal foods.

When intake or status is low

Bleeding tendency and prolonged clotting; rare in adults and usually related to malabsorption or medicines.

Long-term health connections

Vitamin K is established for coagulation. Added benefit of K2 supplements for hard bone or vascular outcomes is not settled.

Skin, hair and nails

Easy bruising is nonspecific; spontaneous or heavy bleeding is a medical warning sign.

Who is more at risk

Fat malabsorption, prolonged antibiotics, liver disease and vitamin-K-antagonist anticoagulants.

How to assess it

Assess coagulation and cause clinically; do not self-diagnose from skin signs.

Supplements: when to consider

With warfarin/phenprocoumon keep intake consistent and discuss changes; do not self-supplement.

Too much and safety

No usual UL is established for natural forms; medication interactions remain crucial.

International reference systems