Abstract
Vitamin K is a critical fat-soluble vitamin group that naturally exists in many forms. It has been shown to play a role in coagulation, bone health, as well as cardiovascular health. It is of clinical importance because, when deficient, it results in bleeding disorders in the neonate, which have many associated complications, and malnourished individuals of any age group. In this chapter, the authors go over the natural forms of the vitamin, examples of biochemical processes where the human body utilizes it, including the coagulation cascade, bone mineralization, and in the pathology of vascular calcification, and some common diseases that result from its deficiency. This chapter also touches on methods of directly and indirectly investigating vitamin K deficiency, using tests such as coagulation profile, PICKA-II levels, and MGP levels, as well suggestions for managing conditions due to vitamin K deficiency, such as suggestions for vitamin K supplementation.