Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin.

Vitamin K has 2 forms, K1, and K2,

It is advised to that take vitamin K cautiously, not too little or not too much.

K1 is found in organic foods- like in green leafy vegetables, Vitamin K1 is generally the preferred form of vitamin K because it is less toxic, works faster, is stronger, and works better for certain conditions.

While K2 is found in animal products, but it’s also produced by bacteria in our gut, so it’s not essential to get it from our diet.

Certain antibiotics may interfere with vitamin K levels. This is typically only a concern if you have been on antibiotics for a long time, more than several weeks.

Vitamin K where “K” is the abbreviation of the German word “Koagulation ”

VITAMIN K is Naphthoquinone derivatives and it has a long side Isoprenoid chain.

History informs us that-

1929 – Henrick Dam – isolation of Vitamin K1 (phytonadione)–(Noble Prize, 1943 ) 1939 – Edward Doisy – isolation of vitamin K2 (menaquinone)–(Noble Prize 1943 )

Around the globe- in terms of health benefits, its a very important and notable discovery by these scholars.

Properties of Vitamin K:

Anti hemorrhagic factor {coagulation vitamin K }

With Low Melting point

Optically active

Thermostable

Labile for light and alkali

Absorbs UV light

Synthesis by intestinal bacteria

Benefits Of Vitamin K

Reduces the clotting of blood.

Reduces menstrual pain

Reduces excessive menstrual flow

Preventing osteoporosis

Prevents internal bleeding

Relieves nausea during pregnancy

Prevents hemorrhaging in babies

Prevents biliary obstruction

Protects the immune system

Prevents cancer

Side-Effects & Cautious steps Before taking

If a person is suffering from renal insufficiency or chronic renal problem, it is advised to consult the doctor before taking these supplements.

High dosage of vitamin K can worsen blood clotting problems, for those who suffer liver complaints.

Vitamin K1 may lower blood sugar levels, so it is advised that sugar level should carefully monitor for diabetic patients.

Deficiency Symptoms

Adults are rarely found in a deficit of vitamin K but it may occur in elderly people who taking medications that block vitamin K metabolism such as antibiotics, or in those with conditions that cause malabsorption of food and nutrients.

A deficiency is also possible in newborn infants because vitamin K does not cross the placenta, and breast milk contains a low amount. The limited amount of blood clotting proteins at birth increases the risk of bleeding in infants if they are not given vitamin K supplements.

The following are the most common signs of a deficiency.

• A longer time for blood to clot or a prolonged prothrombin time (as measured in a physician’s office)
• Bleeding
• Hemorrhaging
• Osteopenia or osteoporosis

Dr. Mehedi Hassan

Reference:

• https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/supplement-guide-vitamin-k#1
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-high-in-vitamin-k
• DiNicolantonio JJ, Bhutani J, O'Keefe JH. The health benefits of vitamin K. Open heart. 2015 Oct 1;2(1):e000300. [Cited 27 June 2019]. Available from: https://openheart.bmj.com/content/2/1/e000300.short
• Beulens JW, Booth SL, van den Heuvel EG, Stoecklin E, Baka A, Vermeer C. The role of menaquinones (vitamin K 2) in human health. British Journal of Nutrition. 2013 Oct;110(8):1357-68. [Cited 27 June 2019]. Available from:http://doc.rero.ch/record/294730/files/S0007114513001013.pdf
• Bügel S. Vitamin K and bone health in adult humans. Vitamins & Hormones. 2008 Jan 1;78:393-416. [Cited 27 June 2019]. Available from:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0083672907000167
• https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-k/