Vitamin K
Essential for blood clotting and bone health.
What is Vitamin K?
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin best known for its central role in blood clotting. It also helps regulate calcium and supports bone health. Vitamin K1 comes mainly from leafy greens, while K2 is found in some animal and fermented foods.
Health benefits of Vitamin K
- Required for normal blood clotting
- Supports bone metabolism and strength
- Helps direct calcium to bones rather than soft tissue
Top food sources of Vitamin K
See full rankingKale, spinach, collards, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and some vegetable oils. Values shown per 100 g.
Spices, basil, dried
1,715 mcg 1429% DV
Spices, sage, ground
1,715 mcg 1429% DV
Spices, thyme, dried
1,715 mcg 1429% DV
Parsley, fresh
1,640 mcg 1367% DV
Spices, coriander leaf, dried
1,360 mcg 1133% DV
Spices, parsley, dried
1,360 mcg 1133% DV
Amaranth leaves, raw
1,140 mcg 950% DV
Kale, frozen, cooked, boiled, drained, with salt
882 mcg 735% DV
Kale, frozen, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt
882 mcg 735% DV
Chard, swiss, raw
830 mcg 692% DV
Kale, raw
817 mcg 681% DV
Kale, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt
817 mcg 681% DV
How much Vitamin K do you need?
The FDA Daily Value is 120 mcg. A single serving of leafy greens often exceeds a full day's needs.
Vitamin K deficiency
Deficiency is uncommon in adults but can cause easy bruising and bleeding. Newborns are routinely given vitamin K.
Nutrition data per 100 g from the USDA & FooDB databases. Daily Values follow the FDA 2016+ labeling standard for a 2,000-calorie diet. This guide is for general information and is not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does Vitamin K do?
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin best known for its central role in blood clotting. It also helps regulate calcium and supports bone health. Vitamin K1 comes mainly from leafy greens, while K2 is found in some animal and fermented foods.
How much Vitamin K do I need per day?
The FDA Daily Value is 120 mcg. A single serving of leafy greens often exceeds a full day's needs.
Which foods are highest in Vitamin K?
Per 100 g, some of the richest sources are Spices, basil, dried, Spices, sage, ground, Spices, thyme, dried, Parsley, fresh, Spices, coriander leaf, dried.
What happens if I don't get enough Vitamin K?
Deficiency is uncommon in adults but can cause easy bruising and bleeding. Newborns are routinely given vitamin K.