It also appears to have some effectiveness in preventing osteoporosis, but some studies done involved patients using a high dietary intake of the vitamin rather than supplements. Others who may benefit from supplemental vitamin K include those taking medications that interact with it or deplete the supply. The AAP also noted that a possible link between supplemental vitamin K and early childhood cancer has not been proven as of 2003. In 2003 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) restated that prevention of bleeding from early vitamin K deficiency by administration of the vitamin is accepted practice. Routine administration of vitamin K to newborns is, however, being questioned by practitioners of evidence-based nursing. The most common use of vitamin K is to supplement babies at birth, thus preventing hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. These values are based on an estimate of 1 mcg of vitamin K per kilogram of body weight. Females need 45 mcg from 11 –14 years, 55 mcg from 15 –18 years, 60 mcg from 19 –24 years, and 65 mcg after the age of 24, and for pregnant or lactating women. Males require 45 mcg from 11 –14 years, 65 mcg from 15 –18 years, 70 mcg from 19 –24 years, and 80 mcg after the age of 24 years. The Required Daily Amount (RDA) of vitamin K is 5 micrograms (mcg) for infants less than six months old, 10 mcg for babies six months to one year old, 15 mcg for children aged one to three years, 20 mcg for those aged four to six years, and 30 mcg for those seven to ten years old. K 3 or menadione, a synthetic form of this vitamin.K 2, a family of substances called menaquinones.K 1 or phylloquinone also known as phytonadione.Appropriate growth and development are supported by adequate vitamin K. It also plays a role in bone health, and may help to prevent osteoporosis. Prothrombin and other clotting factors are dependent on vitamin K for production. The primary and best-known purpose of vitamin K is support of the process of blood clotting. It is also known as antihemorrhagic factor, and is one of the four fat-soluble vitamins necessary for good health.

Vitamin K originates from the German term koajulation.

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