Vitamin K, once relegated to a curiosity in the nutrient world, is getting set to take center stage, as evidence mounts concerning its wide-ranging health benefits.

Traditionally, vitamin K was known to play a role in the coagulation of blood. The Ventura County Star reports that this is actually how it got its name. The Danish scientists that discovered the nutrient dubbed it vitamin K for "koagulation" (which is the danish spelling).

However, the news source points that studies conducted in recent years have shown that it may play a role in supporting bone and joint health as well. Furthermore, research has shown that vitamin K supports heart health.

As knowledge of the nutrient grows, so too does its reputation. Some have even called it the next vitamin D, which has enjoyed an extended stay in the spotlight the last few years after multiple studies showed it benefits a broad array of health areas.

The National Library of Medicine reports that vitamin K can be found primarily in green, leafy vegetables like kale, collards and turnips. Most multivitamins also provide a full day's supply of the nutrient.