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Vitamin-K FAQs

  1. What is Vitamin K?
  2. Where is Vitamin K2 produced in the body?
  3. Where is Vitamin K absorbed in the body?
  4. Where is Vitamin K stored in the body?
  5. How is Vitamin K beneficial to the body?
  6. Why is Vitamin K important for the body?
  7. Who discovered Vitamin K?
  8. What is the right amount of Vitamin K which is required by the body?
  9. Can high intake of Vitamin K lead to toxicity?
  10. What are the foods which are rich in Vitamin K?
  11. How much Vitamin K does a cabbage contain?
  12. What is Vitamin K deficiency?
  13. What are the signs and symptoms of Vitamin K deficiency?
  14. Who are the people at risk of suffering from Vitamin K deficiency?
  15. What are the tests required to be performed to detect Vitamin K deficiency?
  16. What are the normal values for tests recommended for Vitamin K deficiency?
  17. What is the price range for tests performed for Vitamin K deficiency?
  18. What are the treatment methods for Vitamin K deficiency?
  19. How can Vitamin K deficiency be prevented?
  20. What is the prognosis of Vitamin K deficiency?
  21. What are the complications due to Vitamin K deficiency?
  1. What is Vitamin K?

    • Vitamin K (VK) is a term which includes a number of chemically related, fat-soluble compounds called as naphthoquinones
    • The group of vitamins include
      • Vitamin K
      • Vitamin K1
      • Vitamin K2
      • Vitamin K3
    • Naturally occurring form of Vitamin K is Vitamin K1 which is found in plants. These plants become the primary source of Vitamin K in humans, after being consumed in the form of food.
    • The vitamin is required for synthesis of a protein which is vital for processes like:
      • Blood coagulation (clotting)
      • Bone metabolism (the protein helps to bind Calcium ions to bones and tissues)
      • Prevention of Vascular Mineralization
      • Other cellular functions
    • Vitamin K1, also called as phylloquinone, is largely found in green leafy vegetables as they are useful in the process of photosynthesis
    • Bacteria in the large intestine can convert K1 to Vitamin K2 (menaquinone)
    • Menaquinones are generally found in animal livers and fermented food
    • Another bacteria, Bacillus natto has been found to convert Vitamin K1 to K2 during the production of fermented soy products
    • Vitamins K3, K4 and K5 can also exist in synthetic form
    • Synthetic Forms of K3 (menadione) have been found to be toxic
    • VK storage capacity is very limited and so the body recycles it, by a process called as Vitamin K oxidation-reduction cycle
    • Certain drugs like warfarin, are known to obstruct Vitamin K absorption and metabolism
  2. Where is Vitamin K2 produced in the body?

    Vitamin K2 also known as menaquinone, is synthesized by the bacteria in the gastro-intestinal tracts. K2 is absorbed and sent to the blood vessel walls, bones and tissues excepting the liver.

  3. Where is Vitamin K absorbed in the body?

    Vitamin K, primarily in the form of phylloquinone, is absorbed in a form which is chemically unchanged after solubilisation. The absorption takes place in the proximal part of the intestine after bile salts and products of pancreatic lipolysis, form micelles with the soluble form of phylloquinone.

  4. Where is Vitamin K stored in the body?

    Vitamin K along with Vitamins A, D and E are fat-soluble vitamins. Therefore, they are most commonly stored in the fatty tissues of the human body.

  5. How is Vitamin K beneficial to the body?

    Vitamin K is important for bone health and healing of wounds

    • Blood Clotting:
      • Blood coagulation is vital to stop bleeding, when the skin is punctured or cut
      • Vitamin K helps in producing 4 out of 13 proteins essential for blood clotting
      • The vitamin deficiency does not weaken the clotting mechanism of the body, mainly among adults
      • The deficiency may create problems in infants as Vitamin K cannot move through the placenta to the fetus effectively. It takes weeks to build up the stores of the vitamin.
      • Clotting Problems related to deficiency can be seen among people with severe gastro-intestinal or liver problems
      • Diets high in phylloquinone can be associated with lower risk of coronary artery disease, but this has not been conclusively proven till now
    • Bone Health:
      • Vitamin K works along with Vitamin D to ensure that bones develop properly by helping proper transportation of calcium
      • Bone mineral density is positively affected by Vitamin K and reduces fracture risk Women with more of this vitamin in their diets, are less likely to fracture their hip
      • Vitamin K keeps demineralization of bones in check
        • A type of bone cell called as osteoclast is responsible for demineralization of bones
        • The osteoclasts take minerals from the bones and make them available for other bodily functions
        • A form of vitamin K2, the MK4, keeps the formation of osteoclasts under control
        • MK4 also initiates the programmed cell death by a process called as apoptosis
      • Carboxylation: Vitamin K increases the carboxylation of osteocalcin to keep the bones healthy.
        • Osteocalcin is a protein that needs to be changed by a process called carboxylation
        • When bones have fewer carboxylated osteocalcin, it is prone to fractures
        • Vitamin K is essential for the proper functioning of the carboxylase enzymes, that helps in carboxylation of the protein
        • The vitamin helps to restore the bone protein to its proper places and strengthens the composition of bones
        • The K2 form, particularly MK4, is helpful in post menopausal bone protection
        • Low levels of Vitamin K have been linked with increased risk of arthritis
    • Other health benefits that have been suggested but not scientifically proved, are:
      • Protection from cardiac disease
      • Decreased probability of Alzheimer's Disease
      • Reduction of risk of prostrate cancer
  6. Why is Vitamin K important for the body?

    • Vitamin K is necessary when excessive blood thinning medicines are given, and the effect has to be reversed
    • New born babies have clotting problems, as the vitamin has not transferred from the mother's body to the infant
    • Treatment is essential for bleeding caused by certain medicines like:
      • Quinine
      • Quinidine
      • Salicylates
      • Sulfonamides
      • Antibiotics
  7. Who discovered Vitamin K?

    In 1929, a Danish scientist called as Henrik Dam first discovered Vitamin K1. He uncovered this by investigating the role of cholesterol in chickens, by providing them with only cholesterol-free food. After a certain amount of time, the chickens began hemorrhaging and bleeding.

  8. What is the right amount of Vitamin K which is required by the body?

    Vitamin K, like other supplements, should be taken under the strict supervision of a physician, especially before giving to a child. Some people have difficulty in absorbing nutrients like Vitamin K as they are suffering from conditions like:

    • Gallbladder or Liver disease
    • Cystic fibrosis
    • Celiac disease or Crohn's disease

    People suffering from deficiency should take multi-vitamins instead of a Vitamin K-only supplement. Under special circumstances, doctors might give the patient a shot of Vitamin K.

    The daily Adequate Intake is:
    Life StageAgeMales(µg/day)Females(µg/day)
    Infants6 months22
    Infants7-12 months2.52.5
    Children1-3 years3030
    Children4-8 years5555
    Children9-13 years6060
    Adolescents14-18 years7575
    Adults19 years and above12090
    Pregnancy18 years and below-75
    Pregnancy19 years and older-90
    Breast-feeding18 years and above-75
    Breast-feeding19 years and below-90
  9. Can high intake of Vitamin K lead to toxicity?

    • Till date, there have been no reports of a toxic dose of Vitamin K unless supplements have been taken to specifically target Vitamin K activity
    • A satisfactory upper intake level (UL) has not been set for Vitamin K consumption
    • Research has shown that when Vitamin K is consumed at 500 times the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI), no toxicity has been observed
    • People who enjoy large amounts of vegetables with their meals, may continue to do so without any hesitation
    • It must be reiterated however, that the risk of excessive Vitamin K intake may still apply to people taking supplements. Any form of self-medication should be avoided and pills should be taken after discussing with a physician.
  10. What are the foods which are rich in Vitamin K?

    • The most common sources of phylloquinones are leafy green vegetables
    • Fresh green vegetables are also excellent sources of the vitamin
    • Some herbs and spices also supply good amounts of Vitamin K
    • Foods like kale are so rich in nutrients, they supply 10 times the Required Daily Intake
    • Besides fruits and vegetables, miso and soybean are vitamin K-rich food sources
    • Other providers of Vitamin K to the diet are:
      • Milk
      • Cheese
      • Eggs
      • Chicken
      • Lamb
      • Beef
      • Shrimps
      • Sardines
      • Tuna
      • Salmon
    • Food items obtained from plants mostly contain Vitamin K1
    • Vitamin K2 is found in fermented plants and animal food. For example, miso, tempeh, etc.
    • Vitamin K is a fairly stable nutrient to common types of processing
      • The usual cooking procedures may lead to a slight decrease in the levels
      • During storage, Vitamin K amounts are found to be constant
      • Vitamin K in oils is more prone to decrease by the exposure to sunlight. That is why oils should always be stored in opaque bottles in dark places.
      • The hydrogenation process that is used to stabilize liquid fats, damages a notable amount of the Vitamin K content. That is one of the reasons hydrogenated oils should be avoided.
      FoodServing SizeAmount(mcg)
      Kale1 cup1062.1
      Spinach1 cup888.48
      Mustard Greens1 cup829.78
      Collard Greens1 cup772.54
      Beet Greens1 cup696.96
      Swiss chard1 cup572.77
      Turnip Greens1 cup529.34
      Parsley0.5 cup498.56
      Broccoli1 cup220.12
      Brussel Sprouts1 cup218.87
      Romaine lettuce2 cups96.35
      Asparagus1 cup91.08
      Basil0.50 cup87.94
      Cabbage1 cup71.40
      Bok Choy1 cup57.80
      Celery1 cup29.59
      Kiwi fruit12 inches27.81
      Leeks1 cup26.42
      Coriander0.5 cup24.80
      Sage2 tsp24.00
      Green peas1 cup35.68
      Cauliflower1 cup17.11
      Cucumber1 cup17.06
      Tomatoes1 cup14.22
      Blueberries1 cup28.56
      Grapes1 cup22.05
      Carrots1 cup50.00
      Cloves2 tsp5.96
      Chilli peppers2 tsp5.71
      Soybeans1 cup31.5
      Avocado1 cup31.5
      Raspberries1 cup9.59
      Pear1 medium7.83
      Cranberries1 cup5.10
      Miso1 tbsp5.04
      Bell peppers1 cup4.51
      Plum½ to 1/8 inches4.22
      Eggplant1 cup2.87
  11. How much Vitamin K does a cabbage contain?

    • Dark green leafy vegetables like cabbage contains high amounts of Vitamin K
    • Raw cabbage has 42 micrograms per cup of Vitamin K per cup
    • Cooking has been seen to triple the amount of the vitamin to about 162 micrograms
  12. What is Vitamin K deficiency?

    • Low levels of Vitamin K lead to its deficiency which can further give way to profuse bleeding
    • Vitamin K deficiency is usually quite rare in adults, while more usual for new-born infants. A single shot of Vitamin K to infants is quite common.
    • Overdose of a blood thinner called Coumadin can also lead to Vitamin K deficiency
    • Deficiency due to phylloquinone (Vitamin K1) can lead to a condition called as Coagulopathy
      • The ailment causes difficulty in blood clotting
      • Prolonged or excessive bleeding can be caused after an injury or during medical or dental procedures
    • Menaquinone (K2) deficiency leads to
      • Osteoporosis
      • Coronary Heart Disease
      • Severe blood vessel calcification
  13. What are the signs and symptoms of Vitamin K deficiency?

    • Vitamin K deficiency is usually quite rare as green leafy vegetables along with some green spices, contain an abundance of this nutrient
    • Bacteria in the intestines of our body actually produce this vitamin. But antibiotics should be avoided as much as possible as they are responsible for killing all the good bacteria in our gut.
    • Other Symptoms of Deficiency are:
      • Problems in Blood clotting or bleeding:

        These may include:

        • Bleeding in the digestive tract
        • Nose bleeds
        • Bleeding of the gums
        • Heavy bleeding during menstruation
        • Hemorrhaging
      • Bruising easily
      • Calcification of the cartilage
      • Excessive bleeding during surgical procedures or in response to minor trauma
      • Internal bleeding in the skull of newly born infants. Also, formation of deformed fingers and underdeveloped facial structures can be the result of a Vitamin K deficiency.
        • Vitamin K helps in the all-round development of the fetus
        • It is necessary for a pregnant woman to be given Vitamin K food supplements
    • Lack of Vitamin K leads the body to go into emergency mode. Only critical functions are carried out for immediate survival. Meanwhile, other important processes are shut down leading to
      • Weak bones
      • Development of Cancer
      • Heart Problems
  14. Who are the people at risk of suffering from Vitamin K deficiency?

    • People with large amounts of coumarins, a known anti-coagulant, in their body
    • Synthesis of Vitamin K dependent elements is less for people suffering from liver diseases like:
      • Cirrhosis
      • Malignancy
      • Amyloidosis (accumulation of proteins in the form of insoluble fibers called as amyloid fibrils)
      • Gaucher's disease (a genetic disease which has abnormal metabolism and storage of fats)
    • Impaired absorption of nutrients by the digestive system, for people suffering from:
      • Coeliac disease
      • Tropical sprue
      • Crohn's disease
      • Ulcerative colitis
      • Ascariasis
      • Short bowel syndrome due to various abdominal surgeries
    • Fat absorption is reduced in people afflicted with biliary tract diseases. So there is a decrease in fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin K in the body. This problem is faced by people with:
      • Common duct obstruction due to stones and strictures
      • Primary biliary cirrhosis
      • Cholangiocarcinoma
      • Chronic cholestasis
    • People suffering from deficiencies due to:
      • Malnutrition
      • problems due to alcohol abuse
      • Patients receiving long-term parenteral nutrition without Vitamin K supplements
    • Interference in the absorption of Vitamin K1, decrease in the synthesis of Vitamin K2 in the intestine or degradation of Vitamin K, is seen in the case of some drugs such as:
      • Antibiotics
      • Antacids
      • Anti-seizure medication
  15. What are the tests required to be performed to detect Vitamin K deficiency?

    • Vitamin K deficiency can lead to uncontrolled bleeding and bruising
    • Vitamin K Blood Test: Used to investigate bleeding and malabsorptive disorders
    • The most common test recommended by the doctor, is a combination of Prothrombin Time (PT) and Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) test which finds out the time required for the blood to form a clot
      • The PT and PTT Blood tests are useful for diagnosis for unexplained bleeding, especially when the person is not on blood thinning medication
      • Bleeding disorders include conditions like:
        • Nose bleeds
        • Easy Bruising
        • Heavy menstrual periods
        • Blood in the fecal matter (stool) and/or urine
        • Bleeding gums
      • The PT and PTT test is also ordered prior to a surgical procedure to ensure normal clotting ability
      • "Prolonged" result can indicate that the time taken for blood clot formation may be more than usual
      • A "Prolonged" outcome can signify a suspected Vitamin K deficiency
        • In that case, a Vitamin K supplement or pill may be prescribed
        • If the bleeding problem is resolved and the next diagnosis result is normal, then Vitamin K deficiency will be presumed to have been the cause
    • Vitamin K is rarely performed, as clotting malfunctions are investigated first with PT tests
    • Other Coagulation tests that can be performed are:
      • Thrombin Time
      • Platelet function Tests
      • Platelet counts
      • Coagulation factor tests
      • Fibrinogen tests
      • Von Willebrand factor
      • D-Dimer
  16. What are the normal values for tests recommended for Vitamin K deficiency?

    For impaired blood clotting:
    Vitamin K levels: Below 0.5 ng/mL

  17. What is the price range for tests performed for Vitamin K deficiency?

    The prices for tests for Vitamin K deficiency depend on various factors; such as, the type of hospital or diagnostic centre, the kind of test being performed or the city in which the test is being performed. To get a comprehensive list of the price range of diagnostic tests in your city, click HERE.

  18. What are the treatment methods for Vitamin K deficiency?

    • The treatment for the deficiency depends on the seriousness of the bleeding and the conditions which may not be apparent at a glance
    • In adults, VK1 is given subcutaneously or intramuscularly
    • In case there is a risk for hematoma (a collection of clotted blood within the tissues) formation, an oral supplement of 5 to 20mg doses can be taken, after consulting a physician
    • VK3, a menadione, is a synthetic water soluble compound used to treat VK diseases due to faulty digestion or malabsorption of nutrients. Newborns are not treated with VK3 as it has been observed to give rise to hemolysis (rupture of red blood cells) at higher dosage.
    • Long term supplements may be needed for people suffering from chronic conditions
    • The treatment requires 2 to 5 days to display results
    • VK3 has been to known to show toxicity for large doses. Also, hemolytic anaemia has been seen in infants who have been given VK3.
    • Vitamin K supplementation may not be effective for people suffering from chronic liver disease
      • Vitamin K dependent factors which are essential to clotting, are produced in the liver
      • People having severely damaged livers may not be able to produce coagulation factors even with the availability of VK
  19. How can Vitamin K deficiency be prevented?

    • A diet rich in Vitamin K. For example,
      • Green leafy vegetables
      • Oils like olive, cotton seed and soya beans
      • Green beans and peas
      • Watercress
      • Asparagus
      • Spinach
      • Broccoli
      • Whole wheat
      • Oats
    • VK given to newly borns is very effective in preventing bleeding
    • For VK deficiency due to malabsorption conditions, Menadiol sodium phosphate is given. The synthetic compound is a water-soluble Vitamin K derivative that can be administered orally.
  20. What is the prognosis of Vitamin K deficiency?

    • If the deficiency is detected early and treated appropriately, then the prognosis is good
    • Excessive bleeding due to VK deficiency can be fatal
  21. What are the complications due to Vitamin K deficiency?

    • Complications due to VK are much rarer for adults, than new born babies
    • Infants have lower levels of VK than adults
    • Severe deficiency can cause Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN)
      • The disease is more usual in premature babies than those born full-term
      • Lower VK levels are attributed to:
        • Low levels of bacteria in new-born babies
        • Poor transportation of Vitamin K through the placenta to the fetus
        • Lesser amounts of VK in breast milk; so babies who are breastfed are prone to VK deficiency
    • Vitamin K shots are given to the infants right after birth, to protect them from HDN
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