In the early twentieth century, a Danish scientist known as Henrik Dam was researching the results of diet on livestock, in particular chickens and young chicks. While decreasing the level of cholesterol in the diet regime of the chickens, he discovered an increased tendency for bleeding to continue rampantly. However, when he reintroduced the cholesterol, the consequences weren't solved. There was something taking place that gave these chickens the ability to clot. Meanwhile, babies around the world were suffering from the same conditions, with hemorrhaging problems claiming life shortly after birth. What was taking place?

The importance of Vitamin K

After joining forces with Edward Doisy of St. Louis University, Dam was able to isolate the compound that allowed the chicks to stop bleeding. He termed it Koagulationsvitamin for its value in coagulation. This has since been shortened to Vitamin K. Since the discovery, it has entered medicine in the form of injections, which are routinely administered to newborns and all those who experience serious bleeding problems.

In the modern world, nutritional shortage of vitamin K is rare. However there are many conditions where vitamin k absorption is reduced or clotting is reduced. Also, vitamin K performs an essential part in bone health; Glakay, an anti-osteoporosis drug used in Japan, is basically a type of vitamin K.

Different types, several sources

Vitamin K is available in two kinds in nature, K1 and K2. Like some of the other vitamins we have reviewed, they signify the varieties available in plants (K1 or phylloquinone) as well as animals (K2 or menaquinone). K2 indicates an improved track record of preventing bone loss, although K1 has been proven to avoid bone damage among seniors too. Within the body, K1 can be changed into K2 at about 90%.

Getting K in your Diet

K1 is found in green leafy vegetables, deeper green indicates more vitamin content. Kale has among the best content available. Vitamin K2 is found in animal sources, specially fatty ones. Liver, cheese, butter as well as eggs are probably the best sources available.

Because of the conversion ratio, the form of vitamin K is not actually a factor. But preppers planning to live on a diet of stored grain should be careful to diversify their diet program. Perhaps foraging for local edible herbs such as Chris Nyerges or raising livestock like David Sarti allows somebody to supplement. If bugging out, artificial varieties of K2 may be used as well - K2 is usually known as MK4 in vitamin form. Regardless of what variety you take, Vitamin K must be thought about. Bleeding and bone breakage are 2 things that could be prevalent in a post-apocalyptic world - so know your nutrients!