|
Vitamin K has three primary functions in the human body:
|
|
1. Coagulation of the Blood |
|
| Vitamin K's first function is to bind Calcium ions (Ca2+) and initiate a series of events known as the coagulation cascade. The purpose to the 7-step coagulation cascade is to stop bleeding. | |
2. Bone Mineralization |
|
|
|
Osteocalcin, a form of Vitamin D, is a required protein for binding minerals in your bones. Vitamin K helps to carboxylize Glutamic Acid residues, which are required for Osteocalcin to do it's job. |
3. Cell Growth |
|
| Gas6, a Vitamin-V dependent protein, was discovered in 1993 to be required in cellular growth. However, it's exact functions have not yet been determined. | |