The Importance Of Vitamin K During Pregnancy
Vitamin K is a nutrient that the bacteria that live in our intestines can produce. It has the ability to affect blood coagulation, which is why experts believe that the intake of this substance is an important aspect when assessing cardiovascular health. Below we will tell you about the importance of vitamin K during pregnancy.
Before we begin, we must point out that the need for nutrition increases slightly during pregnancy. Above all, it is important to increase the intake of certain vitamins and minerals to ensure the proper development of the fetus.
The importance of vitamin K during pregnancy
As we mentioned above, vitamin K is responsible for increasing the blood’s ability to coagulate. Under normal circumstances, this is beneficial as it improves wound healing. However, in a situation of treatment with anticoagulants, it is important to be careful when taking this vitamin.
At the same time, vitamin K has the ability to help form tissues and bones. According to a study published in the journal Clinical Cases in Mineral and Bone Metabolism , regular intake of the nutrient can help develop and maintain a higher bone density. This process can be the key to preventing osteoporosis, or osteoporosis.
To prevent loss of bone density, it is best to exercise regularly with strength exercises and have an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D. We must not forget that this problem is quite common in women, especially after menopause.
Sources of Vitamin K.
We can ensure that we have adequate levels of vitamin K in our body by eating plenty of green leafy vegetables. We find large amounts of this vitamin in spinach, kale, chard and cruciferous vegetables. In addition, we have the ability to synthesize this substance in the gastrointestinal tract thanks to the action of intestinal bacteria.
However, you should note that changes in the composition of the microbiota can affect the ability of microorganisms to produce vitamin K. Therefore, it is best to include both fiber and probiotics in your regular diet. This ensures good biodiversity.
Vitamin K during pregnancy
Vitamin K is a particularly important nutrient for pregnant women. Thanks to its anticoagulant properties, it helps prevent bleeding in the fetus, which can cause miscarriage.
According to research published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports , it may be beneficial to take vitamin K supplements during pregnancy in cases where the woman has low levels of vitamin K. However, at present it is not one of the most common dietary supplements for pregnant women.
In any case, experts recommend that you consider increasing your intake during antibiotic treatment that is ongoing for a longer period of time. Since this treatment can reduce the synthesis at the intestinal level, it may be a good idea to take extra supplements for preventive purposes.
Is an excess of this nutrient toxic?
Vitamin K is not classified as a toxic nutrient even if consumed in excessive amounts. It is water-soluble by nature, which means that the body can easily get rid of excess urine.
In situations of overconsumption, however, it is possible to see cell damage due to the interaction in the formation of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. Similarly, liver damage can occur at excessive doses as this is the main storage site.
An important nutrient during pregnancy
As you can now see, vitamin K is a nutrient that is of great importance during pregnancy. Thanks to this vitamin, it can help prevent bleeding in the fetus that can jeopardize its survival. This significantly reduces the risk of miscarriage.
It remains to be seen whether it is beneficial to recommend vitamin K supplements for everyone during pregnancy, as studies have still not given us a definitive answer to this. In any case, we should be aware that this element can also have a beneficial effect on the formation of bone tissue in the fetus.
