Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for blood clotting, produced in three forms: K1 from plants, K2 from intestinal bacteria, and K3 as a synthetic variant. It acts as a coenzyme for the carboxylation of certain proteins necessary for coagulation, with an RDA of 70-140 μg/day suggested for adults. Deficiency is rare but can lead to severe bleeding, while excessive intake may cause hemolytic anemia and jaundice, particularly in infants.
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