Vitamin K products come in three basic forms. Creams, gels, and concentrated solutions are available as a topical application to infuse vitamin K into the skin. Vitamin K products for the hair include shampoos and conditioners. Supplemental vitamin K products are also available as pills or powdered vitamin drinks to significantly increase the amount of this vitamin in the diet. There are also many foods that are rich in vitamin K that help to increase the amount of this essential nutrient in the diet.
Products rich in this valuable vitamin that are used topically can be manufactured as creams, gels, and lotions. Concentrated oil-based solutions are also available. The primary uses of these types of vitamin K products are to decrease the life of a bruise, to enhance the healing process of a scar, and to soften a discoloration of the skin, such as dark circles under the eyes or rosacea. Uses of vitamin K topical products are also sometimes recommended prior to and after laser or cosmetic surgery.
Shampoos and conditioner vitamin K products tout their ability to protect the hair shaft from oxidation damage. This benefit is conferred by a vitamin’s ability to destroy free radicals, which damage the cells in the body, including hair cells. The principle is that, if the hair cells are kept as healthy as possible, then strong hair will grow from the hair follicle. Some beauticians also believe that vitamin-enriched shampoos and conditioners can bolster the body’s ability to maintain hair color and prevent graying of the hair.
Enhancing blood clotting, strengthening bones, and preventing blood vessel calcification are just a few of the benefits of maintaining a healthy level of vitamin K in the body. When a diet is found to be deficient in vitamin K, there are several ways to augment this essential nutrient. Supplements are available in pill form and as a powered vitamin drink. Most of these types of supplements are meant to be taken every day.
Most adults who eat a well-balanced diet will naturally meet their daily vitamin K requirement. Foods rich in vitamin K include collard green, spinach, and kale. There are some medical conditions that can cause a decrease in vitamin K. Some liver disease will reduce the body’s ability to manufacture vitamin K and use of antibiotics may destroy the natural flora found in the intestine that are responsible for vitamin K release in the gut.
Vitamin K is listed as an ingredient and is not considered a regulated drug. This status eliminates the requirement that a manufacturer scientifically back up its claims of efficacy. As a result, a buyer should be aware that the vitamin K product that she purchases may not live up the claims stated on the bottle. It is advisable to read consumer reviews of a product before purchasing it.