Why do your Kids need Vitamin K and where do you find it?

Vitamin K is not a very talked about nutrient, either in the press or by doctors.

It is vital for your child's growth, so vital in fact that they are given it as an injection when they are born just in case they have not got enough from the mother for those first few vital days.

You get Vitamin K1 from leafy greens and other vegetables, and if you have the right balance of good gut flora (healthy bacteria in the gut) these will produce the K2 form. Vitamin K3 is the synthetic form in supplements. All 3 types of Vitamin K play an important role in the healthy clotting of the blood, however Vitamin K1 from fresh vegetables appears to be the superior form as this also plays a vital role in bone health. K1 converts bone protein (osteocalcin) to its active form that is vital for healthy bone growth and strength - it allows the osteocalcin molecule to join with the calcium molecule and laying down strong healthy bone tissue.

This is needed from birth to old age and a diet rich in Vitamin K is the best way to ensure you child gets enough.

Vitamin K1 is found in:

Kale, Spinach, Broccoli, Lettuce, Cabbage, Watercress, Asparagus, Oats, Green Peas, Green Beans, Green Tea and Wholewheat.