Vitamin K deficiency and toxicity:
Vitamin K;
Vitamin K is fat-soluble vitamin obtained from non food sources. The natural form of vitamin K is phylloquinone and the synthetic form is menadione. Vitamin K plays a primary role in blood clothing through activation of several proteins.
Vitamin K also participate in the synthesis of bone proteins. The AI of vitamin K for men is 120 micro g/day and for women is 90micro g /day.
Vitamin K deficiency:
primary deficiency (inadequate dietary in take) of vitamin K is rare but secondary deficiency may occur in two circumstances. Firstly , vitamin K absorption diminishes, when fat absorption falters as witnessed during low bile production.
Secondly intake of some drugs may disrupt vitamin K synthesis and action in the body. Following are some of the clinical signs of vitamin K deficiency.
Bleeding diathesis is ''an unusual susceptibility to bleed (hemorrhage) mostly due to hypo coagulability (a condition of irregular and slow blood clothing), caused by a coagulopathy(a defect in the system of coagulation).
Toxicity of Vitamin K:
Unlike the other fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin K does not typically accumulate in the body to toxic levels, so it's not common to experience vitamin K toxicity from dietary sources. However, it's possible to experience problems from taking too much vitamin K in supplement form.
High doses of vitamin K can cause the breakdown of red cells (hemolytic anemia) and jaundice in newborns. In adults, very high doses of vitamin K can interfere with the effectiveness of anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners) like warfarin.
If you're on blood-thinning medication or have a health condition that might be affected by vitamin K intake, it's crucial to maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K and discuss any planned dietary changes with your healthcare provider. And always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
As with any nutrient, it's usually best to get vitamin K from food rather than supplements unless a supplement is medically recommended. A balanced diet rich in a variety of foods can help ensure you get an adequate supply of vitamin K along with other important nutrients.
Vitamin K1 sources:
Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli, and lettuce
Certain fruits such as kiwi and avocado
Some vegetable oils, particularly soybean oil
Vitamin K2 sources:
Fermented foods like natto (a Japanese dish made from fermented soybeans), sauerkraut, and cheese
Animal-based foods such as egg yolks, butter, chicken liver, and certain types of meat
Certain types of fish such as salmon
While both K1 and K2 are important for health, K1 is more often associated with blood clotting, while K2 is more often associated with bone health and heart health. It's also worth noting that the human body can convert some K1 into K2, but the efficiency of this process is not entirely clear and it may vary from person to person.
It's always important to talk to a healthcare professional or dietitian before making any major changes to your diet, especially if you have a specific health condition or are taking medication.
Benefits of Vitamin K:
Blood Clotting: Vitamin K plays a vital role in the formation of several proteins involved in blood clotting. Without sufficient vitamin K, the blood might not clot properly, which can lead to excessive bleeding.
Bone Health: Vitamin K is involved in bone metabolism and has been linked to bone health. Some studies have found that people who consume more vitamin K have a lower risk of fractures.
Heart Health: Vitamin K may help keep blood vessels healthy and prevent the hardening of the arteries, a common cause of heart disease.
- What does vitamin K do?
- What food contain vitamin K?
- What are the symptoms low vitamin K?
- What diseases is cased by lack of vitamin K?
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