Vitamin K ~ Phytonadione

PROMOTES

Blood Homeostasis

Normal Blood Coagulation

Normal Blood Clotting Factors

Normal Uptake of Calcium by Bone

PROTECTS AGAINST

Abnormal Bleeding

Disrupted Circulation

Abnormal Calcium Deposits in Soft Tissues

Available Only By Prescription

Overview

Vitamin K was discovered in 1935 by a scientist in Copenhagen, Denmark, who observed it's antihemorrhagic quality and named it Koagulationsvitamin. It is actually a group of three derivatives of 2-methyyl-1,4-naphthoquinone and all have coagulation activity. The three are generically called quinones with phylloquinone (K1), the only homologue of vitamin K found in plants, menaquinone (K2), synthesized by bacteria in the intestinal tract thus intrinsically supplying the bulk of the vitamin K requirement in healthy individuals, and meadione (K3), manufactured synthetically. These are fat soluble micronutrients and with the necessary assistance of bile and pancreatic enzymes, are absorbed from the proximal part of the small intestines and transported to the liver.

Deficiency Symptoms

Vitamin K deficiency is rare in children and healthy adults. It is seen in newborns because the placenta does not readily transmit lipids, the neonatal liver has immature prothrombin synthesis, breast milk only contains 1 to 3 mcg per liter and the neonate's intestines are sterile for the first few days of life. Vitamin K deficiency hemorrhagic disease in infants occurs 1 to 7 days after birth and is seen in the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, within the thorax and in the most serious cases, intracranially. Late hemorrhagic disease has been seen at 1 to 3 months of age and is usually associated with liver disease or a malabsorption syndrome.

Adults are protected from vitamin K deficiency because the body has a mechanism to conserve it, the normal bacteria in the intestines synthesize K2, and K1 is found in many plant based foods, K1 and 2 in animal tissues. Persons who suffer from malabsorption of dietary fat, general malabsorption, or imbalances in the healthy intestinal bacteria (normal gut flora) will more than likely have a Vitamin K deficiency. Adults ill with biliary obstruction, advanced liver disease, or elderly with generalized dietary deficiencies may suffer a vitamin K deficiency. It may also occur in persons who suffered major trauma or extensive surgery or those on primarily intravenous nutrition needing the gut to be at rest. There are many drugs that interfere with or deplete vitamin K.

It is thought and research is underway to understand more about the role of vitamin K or the lack there of in the development and progression of osteoporosis. One study showed no difference in hip fracture rates between osteoporosis women treated with either vitamin K or a first generation biphosphate drug. More work needs to be done.

Drugs That Deplete:

Certain anticonvulsants, anticoagulants, antibiotics, all salicylates, mega doses of vitamin A and E and alcohol interfere with or deplete vitamin K. A pregnant or breast feeding mother who has had hydatoin anticonvulsants, cephalosporin antibiotics or coumarin anticoagulants will have an increased risk of infant hemorrhagic disease in her newborn.

See DRUG DEPLETION TABLE for specific drug information.

Food Prep To Retain:

No specific instructions found.

Food Sources:

Food Sources Include:

-Avocados

-Broccoli

-Cabbage

-Cauliflower

-Green Leafy vegetables

-Liver

Fortified Foods Available:

None.

Function in the Body:

Vitamin K is essential for coagulation and blood homeostasis. It is an enzymatic cofactor controlling the formation of a number of blood clotting factors including Factor II, prothrombin; Factor VII, proconvertin; Factor IX, Christmas Factor called plasma thromboplastin component; and Factor X, Stuart Factor. This production occurs in the liver.

Vitamin K modulates calcium (Ca++) uptake in bone. Vitamin K is necessary for the synthesis of two bone matrix proteins. These is osteocalcin which is thought to attract calcium to bone tissue, and Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) which seems to prevent the calcification of the soft tissues of the skeletal system while promoting normal, strong bone development and regeneration.

Other Facts:

Vitamin K deficiency in breast fed infants is a world wide cause of infant morbidity and mortality.

Persons on WARFARIN anticoagulants need consistent intake of vitamin K per day to avoid prothrombin fluctuations. Eating a food source of vitamin K everyday in an amount to provide about the same amount of vitamin K daily is advised.

Recommended Dietary Allowance:

The RDA -recommended daily allowance- for vitamin K is 80 micrograms (mcg) per day for men and 65 mcg per day for women. Vitamin K is available by prescription only and should not be taken without the consultation and monitoring of a qualified healthcare professional.

RDA/AI* (Adequate Intake)

AGE (YRS) AMOUNT in micrograms (mcg) / day

Infants

0.0-0.5: 2.0 - 2.5*

0.5-1.0: 2.0 - 2.5*

Children

1-3: 30*

4-8: 55*

Males

9-13: 60*

14-18: 75*

19-30: 120

31-50: 120

51-70: 120

71+: 120

Females

9-13: 60*

14-18: 75*

19-30: 90*

31-50: 90*

51-70: 90*

71+: 90*

Pregnant
<18: 75*

>18: 90*

Lactating
<18: 75*

>18: 90*

Toxic Doses:

Vitamin K can be toxic. Consequently it is only available by prescription and should not be taken unless prescribed and monitored by a qualified health care provider. Blood clotting abnormalities may result. Vitamin K can cause a fatal form of liver problems with jaundice in infants.