Definition of Vitamin K

Vitamin K: One of two naturally occurring fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin K1 and

vitamin K2) needed for the clotting of blood because of an essential role in the
production of prothrombin (a clotting factor). The term vitamin A may also refer to a
synthetic compound that is closely related chemically to the natural vitamins K1 and
K2 and has similar biological activity.

Vitamin K is required (as a cofactor) for the body to make four of the blood's
coagulation (clotting) factors: particularly prothrombin and also factors VII, IX, and X.

Vitamin K1 is made by plants, whereas vitamin K2 is of bacterial origin and is the

important form for people. All other forms of vitamin K are converted to vitamin K2 in
the body. There are a number of closely related compounds of the vitamin K2 series.

Vitamin K deficiency only rarely occurs because an adequate supply of the vitamin is
usually present in the diet and the vitamin is synthesized by bacteria in the intestine.
Deficiency of vitamin K may occur following the administration of certain drugs that
inhibit the growth of the vitamin-synthesizing bacteria or as a result of disorders
affecting the production or flow of bile which is necessary for the intestinal
absorption of vitamin K. In newborn babies, the absence of large intestinal bacteria
coupled with the absence of body stores of vitamin K may result in hemorrhagic
disease of the newborn. This is a dangerous condition because there can be bleeding
into critical organs such as the brain. This disorder can be prevented by the
administration of vitamin K to the baby shortly after birth or to the mother during
labor.

A fat-soluble substance present in green leafy vegetables was found in 1929 to be

needed for coagulation of the blood to take place. The substance came to be named
vitamin K. The K was for Koagulation (Danish for coagulation). A pure form of the
vitamin was isolated and analyzed in 1939. Several related compounds with vitamin
K activity have also been synthesized.

The 1943 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine was shared by the Danish researcher
Henrik Carl Peter Dam (1895-1976) for his (original) discovery of vitamin K and the
American worker Edward Adelbert Doisy (1893-1986) for his discovery of the
chemical nature of vitamin K.

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Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a group of 2-methilo-naphthoquinone derivatives. There are three

notable forms of vitamin K, K1 (phytonadione, phylloquinone, phytonactone), K2
(menaquinones), which can be formed by natural bacteria in the intestines, and K3
(menadione),

the most active synthetic form of the preparations K3-K7. Plants synthesize
phylloquinone, also known as vitamin K1. Vitamin K1 or phylloquinone is the principal
dietary source of vitamin K and its predominant circulating form. Vitamin K2 is the
collective term for a group of vitamin K compounds called menaquinones. The
menaquinone homolgues are characterized by the number of isoprene residues
comprising the side chain. Vitamin K2 is found in chicken egg yolk, butter, cow liver,
certain cheeses and fermented soybean products such as natto. Very little vitamin K
is stored by the body; small amounts of this vitamin are deposited in the liver and in
the bones, but this amount is only enough to supply the body's needs for a few days.

Vitamin K is involved in the carboxylation of certain glutamate residues in proteins to

form gamma-carboxyglutamate residues. These proteins have in common the
requirement to be post-translationally modified by carboxylation of glutamic acid
residues (forming gamma-carboxyglutamic acid) in order to become biologically
active. These proteins include the vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors II
(prothrombin), VII (proconvertin), IX (Christmas factor), X (Stuart factor), protein C,
protein S, protein Zv and a growth-arrest-specific factor (Gas6). Menadione is a fat-
soluble vitamin precursor that is converted into menaquinone in the liver. The
primary known function of vitamin K is to assist in the normal clotting of blood, but it
may also play a role in normal bone calcificaton. Without vitamin K, the carboxylation
does not occur and the proteins that are synthesized are biologically inactive.

Vitamin K functions, uses, and health benefits

Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting and bone metabolism

(carboxylation of osteocalcin). High serum concentrations of undercarboxylated
osteocalcin and low serum concentrations of vitamin K are associated with lower
bone mineral density and increased risk of hip fracture. Vitamin K supplements may
improve bone mass in postmenopausal women. Vitamin K prevents calcification of
arteries and other soft tissue. Calcification of organs and other soft tissue is an
adverse consequence of aging. Vitamin K may play a role in the regulation of blood
sugar. The pancreas, which makes insulin, has the second highest amount of vitamin
K in the body.

Vitamin K and blood clotting - Vitamin K's primary function is to regulate normal
blood clotting (due to its role in the synthesis of prothrombin). Blood clotting is a
process that begins automatically when any injury produces a tear in a blood vessel.
The process of blood clotting involves a collection of molecules, which circulate
continuously through the bloodstream. Vitamin K regulates normal blood clotting by
helping the body transport calcium. Protein Z appears to enhance the action of
thrombin (the activated form of prothrombin) by promoting its association with
phospholipids in cell membranes. Protein C and protein S are anticoagulant proteins
that provide control and balance in the coagulation cascade. Vitamin K2, not vitamin
K1 (phylloquinone; phytonadione), may improve a group of blood disorders known as
myelodysplastic syndromes.

Vitamin K and bone health - Vitamin K supplements improve bone health and reduce
risk of bone fractures, particularly in postmenopausal women who are at risk for
osteoporosis. Three vitamin-K dependent proteins have been isolated in bone. Higher
vitamin K levels correspond to greater bone density, while low levels of vitamin K
have been found in those with osteoporosis. In bones, vitamin K mediates the
gamma-carboxylation of glutamyl residues on several bone proteins, notably
osteocalcin. Osteocalcin is a protein synthesized by osteoblasts (bone forming cells).
The mineral-binding capacity of osteocalcin requires vitamin K-dependent gamma-
carboxylation of three glutamic acid residues.

Vitamin K and liver diseases - Vitamin K is used to reduce risk of bleeding in liver
disease, jaundice, malabsorption, or in association with long-term use of aspirin or
antibiotics. Gastrointestinal problems that decrease the absorption of vitamin K, such
as obstructions in the bile duct, cystic fibrosis, sprue, Crohn's disease, colitis and
medications that reduce the absorption of this vitamin, such as antibiotics. Vitamin K
deficiency in those with cystic fibrosis is worsened by their recurrent need for
antibiotics. Vitamin K has been used in the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding,
and with vitamin C to treat morning sickness. Newborns are at risk for bleeding in the
brain because of the trauma of coming through the birth canal during delivery.

Vitamin K dosage, intake, recommended daily allowance (RDA)

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin K is 80 mg per day for adult
males and 65 mg per day for adult females, and 5 mg/day for the newborn infant.
Natural forms of vitamin K found in foods are only about half as potent compared to
synthetic version. While adequate amount of vitamin K can be obtained by
consuming leafy green vegetables on a regular basis for many men and women
between 18 and 44 years may benefit from supplemental vitamin K.

Sources of vitamin K

Rich sources of vitamin K include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower,

kale, spinach and soybeans. Cooked dark green vegetables, such as spinach, kale
and broccoli, can provide more than one RDA in a single serving. Cow milk is also a
good source of the vitamin. Asian soy foods also are excellent vitamin K sources.
Hydrogenation of vegetable oils may decrease the absorption and biological effect of
dietary vitamin K. Phylloquinone (vitamin K1) is the major dietary form of vitamin K.
Bacteria that normally colonize the large intestine synthesize menaquinones (vitamin
K2), which are an active form of vitamin K.

Vitamin K deficiency

Vitamin K deficiency is very rare and occurs when there is an inability to absorb the
vitamin from the intestinal tract. Vitamin K deficiency can also occur after prolonged
treatment with oral antibiotics. Vitamin K deficiency is often the result of impaired
absorption rather than not getting enough in the diet. Prolonged use of antibiotics
can also cause a low level of this vitamin because they destroy some of the bacteria
in the gut that help to produce vitamin K. Newborns are at risk for vitamin K
deficiency. This is because their digestive tracts contain no vitamin K-producing
bacteria. Vitamin K deficiency in adults is rare. When it occurs, it is found in people
with diseases that prevent the absorption of fat. These diseases include cystic
fibrosis, celiac disease, and cholestasis. Symptoms of vitamin K deficiency include
easy bruisability, epistaxis, gastrointestinal bleeding, menorrhagia and hematuria.

Vitamin K overdose, toxicity, side effects

There is no known toxicity associated with high doses of phylloquinone (vitamin K1),
menaquinone (vitamin K2), or menadione (vitamin K3) and its derivatives. High
intake of vitamin K is not recommended for individuals taking anticoagulant
medications such as Warfarin (coumadin).

Common Conditions That May Result from a Vitamin K Deficiency

Overview

Many of the features of common chronic disorders, especially connective tissue

disorders, are identical to the symptoms of vitamin K deficiencies. Is this a
coincidence, or could vitamin K deficiencies be an often overlooked factor in many
disorders currently attributed to genes or other causes?

I've been diagnosed with a variety of overlapping inherited connective tissue

disorders that all have bleeding problems as symptoms, yet all of my bleeding
problems stopped when I changed my diet to get more vitamin K. I've been to many
doctors throughout my life, including a hematologist, for my bleeding problems, yet I
was never tested for a vitamin K deficiency. I learned about vitamin K from nutrition
books and doing my own research on the Internet. It does make me wonder how
many other people there are who have bleeding problems caused by an undiagnosed
vitamin K deficiency, an easily correctable condition.

Note: High vitamin K intake can interfere with anticoagulant medication. Remember
to check with your doctor before making any diet or supplement modifications,
especially if you are on anticoagulants.

Symptoms of Vitamin K Deficiencies

Vitamin K is known to be needed to coagulate blood and to maintain proper bone

density. It plays a key role in proper development of the fetus. Deficiencies of vitamin
K have been linked to:

Heavy menstrual bleeding*

Gastrointestinal bleeding

Hematuria (blood in the urine)

Nosebleeds

Eye hemorrhages

Anemia

Gum bleeding

Prolonged clotting times

Hematomas

Hemorrhaging

Ovarian Hemorrhaging
Easy bruising

Purpura

Osteopenia

Osteoporosis

Fractures

Hypercalciuria

Liver Cancer

Calcification of soft tissue, especially heart valves

Birth defects linked directly to vitamin K deficiencies include:

Underdevelopment of the nose, mouth and mid face

Shortened fingers

Cupped ears

Flat nasal bridges

The following birth defects have been linked to anticonvulsant drugs, which
block vitamin K:

Epicanthal folds

Flat nasal bridge

Short noses

Variety of craniofacial abnormalities

Neural tube defects

Mental retardation

Learning disabilities

Long, thin overlapping fingers

Hypertelorism

Upslanting palpebral fissures

Microcephaly

Cardiac abnormalities

Distal digit hypoplasia (shortened pinkie fingers)

Growth deficiency

How Vitamin K Deficiencies Occur

Human intake of vitamin K comes from two main sources - our diets and synthesis
from intestinal bacteria. Vitamin K deficiencies can be caused by a variety of factors.
These include:

* Not consuming enough vitamin K from one's diet can contribute to a deficiency.
Dietary vitamin K is highest in leafy green vegetables such as lettuce, kale, broccoli
and collard greens. These are foods that many people don't eat frequently.

* A diet with high intakes of salicylates can block vitamin K. Salicylates are found
in foods such as nuts, fruits, spices and mints. Aspirin is a salicylate. Blocking vitamin
K is why aspirin can "thin" the blood - it basically keeps blood from coagulating. This
is why too much aspirin may be a factor in bleding related health issues such as
epistaxis (nose bleeds), as well as brain and intestinal bleeding.

Regular aspirin use may raise the risk of bleeding strokes in healthy people. A
study from Oxford University found that large numbers of older people suffered from
bleeding in the brain when they took aspirin or other antithrombotic drugs. Another
study from the Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine in London found that aspirin
use caused a risk of serious bleeding in men with high blood pressure.

* Antibiotics can cause bleeding problems from vitamin K deficiencies.

Antibiotics destroy not only harmful digestive tract bacteria, but also the beneficial
intestinal bacteria that is needed to create vitamin K. In order to replace the
beneficial intestinal bacteria after a course of antibiotics it is often recommended to
eat yogurt with active cultures or have to take probiotic supplements containing
acidophilus. In the U.S. You can usually get the supplements at most drug stores or
health food stores. The refrigerated kind is often best because the cultures last the
longest when they have been kept cold.

Replacing beneficial bacteria after antibiotics is standard conventional medical

advice in many European countries, but does not seem to be common medical advice
in the United States.

"It is important for the production of many nutrients that we keep our "friendly"
colon bacteria active and doing their job; to aid this process we should minimize our
use of oral antibiotics, avoid excess sugars and processed foods, and occasionally
evaluate and treat any abnormal organisms interfering in our colon, such as yeasts or
parasites."

"Yogurt, kefir, and acidophilus milk may help to increase the functioning of the
intestinal bacterial flora and therefore contribute to vitamin K production."

* Candida (systemic yeast) infections have been linked to vitamin K deficiencies.

An overgrowth of candida albicans or other kinds of yeast can crowd out the helpful
bacteria in the digestive tract that make vitamin K. People who eat a lot of sugary
foods, an unusually high proportion of alkaline foods and/or take antibiotics tend to
be at high risk for Candida infections.
 * Malabsorption syndromes that prevent the proper absorption of nutrients can
cause vitamin K deficiencies. Celiac disease, an intolerance to gluten, can cause
deficiencies of a wide variety of nutrients, especially vitamin K. Crohn's disease can
also cause vitamin K and other deficiencies.

* Anticoagulants like Warfarin block the action of vitamin K. In turn, vitamin K

blocks the action of anticoagulants. This is why people taking these types of
medications have to limit how much vitamin K they get in their diet.

* High amounts of vitamin A and/or vitamin E can also block vitamin K. I get
nosebleeds whenever I take a multivitamin or eat one of the popular nutrition bars,
even if I choose one with vitamin K. I think it may be at least in part because the
multivitamins and nutrition bars always contain high amounts of vitamin A and E--
probably too much for someone like me who bleeds easily.

* The bacteria that synthesize vitamin K thrive in an acidic digestive environment.

Antacids, if taken in sufficient quantity, may cause a vitamin K deficiency, as well as
irritable bowel syndrome and various nutritional deficiencies, because they neutralize
the hydrochloric acid in a person's stomach. Hydrochloric acid is needed to digest
food and create the acidic environment in which the beneficial bacteria thrive.

source:http://www.vitamins-supplements.org/vitamin-K.php