In 1929, Henrik Dam identified a fat-soluble factor needed for normal blood clotting, later named vitamin K. The discovery explained certain haemorrhagic disorders and became central to understanding prothrombin production. It also provided the biochemical target for warfarin and related anticoagulants.

The discovery of Vitamin K in 1929 revealed the intricate relationship between diet and blood clotting, enriching the symbolic language of blood in poetry. For poets, this scientific advancement inspired themes of nourishment, deficiency, and the delicate balance of life, reflecting on the human experience.