Specific recommendations depend on age, gender, and other factors (such as pregnancy). The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods from the food guide pyramid.

The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine recommends the following dietary intake for vitamin K:

Infants

• 0 - 6 months: 2.0 micrograms per day (mcg/day)
• 7 - 12 months: 2.5 mcg/day

Children

• 1 - 3 years: 30 mcg/day
• 4 - 8 years: 55 mcg/day
• 9 - 13 years: 60 mcg/day

Adolescents and Adults

• Males and females age 14 - 18: 75 mcg/day
• Males and females age 19 and older: 90 mcg/day

If you take warfarin (a blood thinner), you should know that vitamin K or foods containing vitamin K can affect how the drug works. Ask your health care provider how much vitamin K or vitamin K-containing foods you should consume.