Varicose veins are caused by a variety of factors: genetic inclination, standing occupations, obesity, or multiple pregnancies.

Whatever the root cause, inactivity of a specific protein may play a key role in varicose vein development, according to a study from the University of Nantes in France.

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When the Nantes team examined veins in 36 healthy male subjects and 50 male subjects with varicose veins, they found a link between varicosis and inactivity of a protein called matrix GLA protein (MGP). And because MGP is properly activated only when vitamin K levels are adequate, researchers theorize that adequate intake of the vitamin may be a key factor in the prevention of varicose veins.

The importance of vitamin K intake for circulatory health is already well known. In his Nutrition & Healing newsletter, Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., has noted that supplementing with K is a good idea if there's a family history of arteriosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries). Dr. Wright recommends 5 to 15 mg of vitamin K per day – considerably higher than the recommended daily allowance.

Most of our vitamin K intake comes in the form of K1, which is found in dark, leafy green vegetables, broccoli, asparagus, tomatoes, avocados, olive oil, whole wheat, butter, and green tea. Vitamin K1 is converted into K2 in the intestine, but we get some amount of K2 directly from meat, liver, egg yolk, and fermented products such as yogurt and cheese. The synthetic form of vitamin K – known as K3 – may cause liver toxicity in high doses and should be avoided.

In a previous e-Alert, HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., noted that patients using coumadin (a blood thinner) should be aware that vitamin K supplementation might interfere with the drug's effect.

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This info comes from www.health24.com

Vitamin K -phylloquinone - information page
Vitamin K can be produced in the intestines and this function is improved with the presence of cultured milk, like yogurt, in the diet, Vitamin K is classified as a fat-soluble vitamin.

Vitamin K is found in nature in two forms - K1, also called phylloquinone, is found in plants and vitamin K2, also called menaquinone, which can be synthesized by many bacteria. Vitamin K3, menadione, is a synthetic form of this vitamin which is manmade.

Vitamin K is required for
Vitamin K is used in the body to control blood clotting and is essential for synthesizing the liver protein that controls the clotting. It is involved in creating the important prothrombin, which is the precursor to thrombin - a very important factor in blood clotting. It is also involved in bone formation and repair. In the intestines it also assists in converting glucose to glycogen, this can then be stored in the liver. There are some indications that Vitamin K may decrease the incidence or severity of osteoporosis and slow bone loss.

Deficiency of vitamin K
A deficiency of this vitamin in newborn babies results in hemorrhagic disease, as well as postoperative bleeding and hematuria while muscle hematomas and inter-cranial hemorrhages have been reported.

A shortage of this vitamin may manifest itself in nosebleeds, internal hemorrhaging.

Dosage
The dosage underneath is the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.

Males 80 micrograms per day and females 70 micrograms per day.

Toxicity and symptoms of high intake
Toxicity does not easily occur with normal dietary intake of this vitamin, but can happen if synthetic compound vitamin K 3 is taken.

High to toxic uptake in the synthetic form can cause flushing and sweating. Jaundice and anemia may also develop.

If you are taking anti-coagulant (to prevent blood clotting) medication, consult your medical practitioner before taking a Vitamin K supplement.