Vitamin K - lipophilic, hydrophobic vitamins Products
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Vitamin K
Vitamin K is an often neglected vitamin because deficiency is quite rare there are good dietary sources, and gut bacteria can produce a form of vitamin K. Rich sources of vitamin K are dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, lettuce, cabbage, spinach, and green tea. Good sources are asparagus, oats, whole wheat, and fresh green peas.
Vitamin K's most famous role is in the manufacture of clotting factors. However, recent studies have shown that vitamin K is also necessary for building healthy bones and may play a role in treating and preventing osteoporosis.
Vitamin K and Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn
Since 1961 vitamin K, injections have been given to all newborn babies to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. This condition occurs because of a lack of vitamin K. When a baby is born the intestinal tract is sterile. Since a major source of vitamin K (in the form of K3) is synthesized from gut bacteria and most women do not have high concentrations of vitamin K, in their breast milk, the baby must rely on the amount of vitamin K delivered through the placenta before birth until the gut micro flora get established.
Vitamin K and Osteoporosis
Vitamin Kt plays an important role in bone health, as it is responsible for converting the inactive form of the bone protein osteocalcin to its active form. Osteocalcin is the major non collagen protein found in our bones that anchors calcium into place within the bone. Low intake of vitamin K, is linked to osteoporosis and hip fractures. Since vitamin K, is found in green leafy vegetables, it may be one of the reasons a vegetarian diet seems to be protective against osteoporosis.
Vitamin K Available Forms
There are three major forms of vitamin K. Natural vitamin K from plants is termed vitamin K,, or phylloquinone. Vitamin K2, or menaquinone, is derived from bacteria in the gut, and vitamin K3, or menadione, is a synthetic derivative. Vitamin K is available in capsules and tablets.
Vitamin K Side Effects
If you are taking anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin (Coumadin), consult your physician before taking any supplement with vitamin K.
There are no known side effects or toxicity with the administration of vitamin K
Vitamin K administration may counteract the anticoagulant actions of drugs such as warfarin (Coumadin) that work to prevent clot formation by blocking vitamin K's activation of clotting factor. Aspirin, certain antibiotics, and the anti seizure drug phenytoin (Dilantin) also antagonize vitamin K action.
High dosages of vitamin E (e.g., greater than 600 IU) may antagonize vitamin K's action on blood clotting.
Generally vitamin K is recommended at a dosage of 150 to 500 meg in supplement form.
Considered safe during pregnancy and lactation.
Suitable for children at one-half the adult dosage.
Seniors can take Vitamin K
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