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vitamin K  any of a group of substances, including vitamin K1 (phytonadione) and vitamin K2 (menaquinone), which promote blood clotting by increasing the synthesis of prothrombin by the liver. Deficiency of vitamin K delays clotting of the blood, with excessive bleeding and bruises under the skin. Food sources are alfalfa, spinach, cabbage, putrefied fish meal, and hempseed. Generally, the bacteria of the intestine produce vitamin K in adequate amounts, except in newborn infants, so that the deficiency is most often seen in babies.




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