Vitamin K was not included in the National Nutrition Survey II (2008). Regarding the intake of vitamin K in the German population, data exist from the 2004 Nutrition Report of the German Nutrition Society (DGE).
These data on vitamin K intake are based on estimates and only reflect the average intake. No statements can be made about the supply situation below the mean value. However, this does not mean that there is no undersupply of vitamin K in the German population.
The following can be said about the supply situation:
The main source of vitamin K is green vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli. In addition, milk and dairy products can also contribute to meeting vitamin K requirements. A balanced diet rich in vegetables is therefore particularly important with regard to a vitamin K deficiency that is to be avoided. The DGE recommends a daily intake of 400 g of vegetables.
- For Germany, there is no evidence to indicate an insufficient supply of vitamin K, except in newborns and infants.
- Newborns and infants often suffer from vitamin K deficiency because, on the one hand, the vitamin is insufficiently transported through the placenta in the womb and, on the other hand, women’s milk has a low vitamin K content.
- Men take up an average of 280 µg of vitamin K per day, according to the 2004 nutrition report. The average daily intake is in all age groups above the intake recommendation of the DGE.
- Women take up an average of 300 µg vitamin K per day. The recommended daily intake of the DGE is also achieved here in all age groups.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women have compared to their non-pregnant or non-breastfeeding peers no additional need for vitamin K. Accordingly, pregnant and breastfeeding women also achieve on average the intake recommendations of the DGE.
Since the intake recommendations of the DGE are based on the needs of healthy and normal weight people, an individual additional requirement (eg due todiet, Genussmittelkonsum, long-term medication, etc.) may be above the intake recommendations of the DGE.
