Uses and Properties

Vitamin K1 is a fat soluble vitanmin derived from alfalfa oil (2-mehtl-3-phytyl-1,4-naphthoquinone). Also known as Phytomenadione, Phylloquinone, Phytylmenaquinone. The term vitamin K2 includes a group of related natural compounds, menaquinones, differing in the number of isoprene units in the side chain and in their degree of unsaturation. It was isolated from alfalfa in 1935 by Dr. Henrik Dam.

Vitamin K Chemical Structure, C31H46O2

FUNCTION

• aids in reducing excessive menstrual flow
• aids the absorption of calcium in bone
• essential for normal liver functioning
• essential for synthesis of four proteins that act in coagulation
• important in maintaining vitality and longevity
• necessary for formation of prothrombin which is required for  effective blood clotting
• involved in electron transport mechanism and oxdative phosphorylation

FOOD SOURCES

• alfalfa
• blackstrap molasses
• broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• cauliflower
• cereals
• cow's milk
• egg yolks
• fish liver oils
• green plants, such as lettuce
• kelp
• leafy green vegetables, such as cabbage, spinach
• meats, such as pig and beef liver
• peas
• polyunsaturated oils
• turnips
• soybean
• potatoes
• string beans
• yogurt

INCREASED INTAKES NEEDED

• after prolonged paraffin ingestion
• for those with biliary obstructions
• for those with liver disease
• if taking antibiotics for long duration
• if you have a malabsorption disease
• in newborn babies
• in overdose of anticoagulant drugs, such as Warfarin, Dicoumarol, which neutralize the effect of Vitamin K

USED FOR

• anticoagulant drug overdose
• reduces excessive menstral flow
• essential for blood clotting/haemorrhage and bleeding
• hemorrhagic disease in newborn babies
• inhibiting some cancer tumors
• overcoming inability to absorb vitamins
• overcoming effects of antibiotics on intestinal bacteria
• protection against osteoporosis

DESTROYED BY

• acids
• alkalis
• commercial processing
• light and ultra-violet irradiation
• oxidizing agents

SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY

• excessive bleeding and hemorrhage

In babies:

• bleeding from the stomach, intestines, umbilical cord site

DEFICIENCY CAUSED BY

In Babies:

• low levels in human breast milk
  
• poor transfer across placenta
  
• sterile intestine with no bacteria

In Adults:

• as a consequence of sprue
  
• Celiac's Disease
  
• destruction of intestinal bacteria by antibiotics
  
• lack of bile salts
  
• liver conditions, such as viral hepatitis
  
• surgical removal of intestines
  
• prolonged ingestion of liquid paraffin

DEFICIENCY LEADS TO

• inability of blood to coagulate

SYMPTOMS OF TOXICITY

• none reported
  
  

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More Vitamin Information: 

Beta Carotene  ||  Biotin  ||  Choline & Choline/ Inositol  ||  Folic Acid  ||  Inositol  ||  Multivitamins  ||  Vitamin A  ||  Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin)  ||  Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobalamin)  ||  Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin)  ||  Vitamin B-3(Niacin)  ||  Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid)  ||  Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)  ||  Vitamin B-Complex  ||  Vitamin C/ Bioflavonoids  ||  Vitamin D  ||  Vitamin E  ||  Vitamin K