Vitamin K (Menaquinone)

Vitamin K is a group of lipophilic and hydrophobic vitamins which are also known as: Phytonadione, phylloquinone, phytomenadione, phytonadione, Menaquinane, Menadione, menaquinone, menatetrenone.

Vitamin K is a lesser known member of the fat soluble vitamins.

It has three forms:

• Vitamin K1 (phytomenadione)
• Vitamin K2 (menaquinane)
• Vitamin K3 (menadione)

These three compounds are commonly referred to as quinines.

Vitamin K is normally produced by bacteria in the intestines, and dietary deficiency is rare unless the intestines are damaged, cannot absorb the nutrient due to broad spectrum antibiotics or other dietary restrictions.

• 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone
• Menaquinone
• Menatetrenone

Vitamin K is not a single vitamin but a group of vitamins that have certain chemical chains in common.

One of these, Vitamin K2 is produced by beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract; therefore, deficiencies in this K vitamin are rare except for those people who have heavily damaged intestines due to cancer or an intestinal disorder.

Home Remedies using Vitamin K:

Benefits and Uses of Vitamin K:

The vitamins known as Vitamin K are necessary for the human body to function properly. Some of the health aspects which require Vitamin K include:

• Required for blood coagulation
• Contains strong anti-oxidants to help fight aging and cancer
• Helps the body properly use calcium and maintain strong bones
• Protects the heart and vascular system from disease
• Is thought to possibly help regulate blood sugar levels

Vitamin K, as a dietary supplement, is often taken to fight heart disease and vascular disorders.

It also fights osteoporosis which is bone loss due to aging resulting in brittle, easily broken bones. It is also used by persons who want to slow the aging process and prevent cancer.

Vitamin K is available in most multi-vitamin supplements. It can also be purchased separately, most frequently in table or capsule form.

Vitamin K is, in part, created by normally-functioning intestines in health people, so there is seldom a dietary deficiency except in those with major digestive disease or disorders.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is usually all that is required. A few of the many foods containing significant amounts of Vitamin K complex include:

• Swiss chard and kale
• Brussel sprouts
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Dark green lettuces and greens such as turnip greens or mustard greens
• Pistachio nuts

Side Effects of Vitamin K:

Vitamin K consumption, either in foods or as a dietary supplement, must be monitored carefully in persons who take blood thinning prescription medications because of potential vitamin-medication interaction.