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 Vitamin K includes substances containing hemostatic activity, 2-methyl-1, and 4-napthoquinone ring structure. Vitamin K substances were initially found in fish meal, hemp seeds, green leafy vegetables, and liver. These substances all possess antihemorrhagic activity. Vitamin K also plays a role in various processes including bone metabolism.
Vitamin K2, or menadione, is thought to possibly improve blood disorders called myelodysplasic syndromes, or (MDS). These syndromes can lead to acute myeloid leukemia. These results are not yet confirmed.
Vitamin K Deficiency
Vitamin K deficiency can occur when there is a loss of storage sites due to hepatocellular disease, inadequate dietary intake, or from malabsorption syndromes including Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, and ulcerative colitis. Chronic liver disease such as primary bilary cirrhosis can also cause a deficiency. Medications with Coumarin anticoagulants cause a state similar to vitamin K deficiency as it stops the reduction and recycling of vitamin K. Cephalosporin antibiotics can also have the same effect. Research has recently found that space flight can inhibit the metabolism of vitamin K resulting in increased bruising, gastrointestinal bleeding, epistaxis, hematuria, and menorrhagia. Severe vitamin K deficiencies can result in increased fractures and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis may also be caused by long term use of warfarin, a Coumarin anticoagulant. Those taking the medication should not take vitamin K supplements unless directed by their physician.
Indications and Usage
The lack of vitamin K is associated with long-term total prenatal nutrition, hemorrhagic disease of the newborn, with vitamin K deficiency, and in various malabsorption syndromes. Sufficient levels of vitamin K make provide protection against osteoporosis and also have anti-atherosclerotic effects. Early research shows that vitamin K3 might prove to be an anti-cancer agent. There is no proof showing that vitamin K has positive effects on glucose and insulin, modulates immunity, inhibits platelet aggregation, is helpful in Alzheimer’s disease, or has anti-inflammatory effects.
Suggested Dosage
1 mcg per 2.2 pounds of body weight, or 65 to 80 mcg daily, is the recommended dietary allowance for vitamin K in most adults. This level can be acquired by eating the necessary amounts of green leafy vegetables. On average, adults 18-44 years of age do not intake the suggested amounts in their diet.
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