Vitamin K. Description, functions and dosages of vitamin K. Sources of vitamin K. Vitamin K: what foods contain and why a person needs

Vitamin K is a group of related compounds with similar properties. Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) the body receives from plant foods, and somewhat less active K2 (menaquinone) is produced by the normal microflora that inhabits the human intestine. The synthetic substance menadione (K3) can be converted to K2 in the intestine.

This biologically active compound can be deposited in the liver in small volumes. Lipovitamin tends to break down under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, as well as in environments with alkaline pH.

Why does the body need vitamin K?

The main purpose of vitamin K is to normalize the process of blood coagulation. Thanks to this substance, the biosynthesis of prothrombin, a protein that is an essential component of the coagulation system, is carried out in the liver. Coagulation properties help prevent hemorrhage (bleeding).

Lipovitamin is able to neutralize the action of toxins (in particular, coumarin) that are present in spoiled foods. It also minimizes the negative effects of coumarin-like aflatoxins, which have carcinogenic properties.

Vitamin K is essential for bone formation. It is directly involved in the process of biosynthesis of osteocalcin, a protein that ensures the precipitation and crystallization of calcium. A sufficiently high level of vitamin in the body makes it possible to prevent the development of osteoporosis. Naphthoquinones also regulate a number of redox reactions.

Important:absorption of lipovitamin, obtained by the alimentary route, occurs in the presence of bile, therefore, with pathologies of the liver, gallbladder and ducts, hypovitaminosis may develop.

Herbal products:

  • green leafy vegetables;
  • unripe tomatoes;
  • cabbage (mainly cauliflower and Brussels sprouts);
  • soya beans;
  • walnuts;
  • cereal crops (wheat, rye);
  • rose hip.

In fruits and root crops, the content of biologically active compounds is significantly lower than in green leaves.

note: for the preparation of salads and drinks useful for K-hypovitaminosis, you can use nettle leaves, alfalfa grass, and pine needles.

note: one of the early symptoms of vitamin K deficiency is hypoprothrombinemia, which is detected when. With a decrease in the level of prothrombin to 35% of the norm, the likelihood of hemorrhages with minor injuries increases sharply. A drop in the content of this protein to 20% threatens to bleed, which is life-threatening.

The most important clinical manifestation of vitamin K deficiency is hemorrhagic syndrome.

In newborn babies, signs of hemorrhagic syndrome are:

  • vomiting with blood;
  • tarry (black) stools;
  • hemorrhages (subcutaneous and intradermal);
  • bleeding (intestinal, from the urinary tract and umbilical wound).

Symptoms of hypovitaminosis K in adults:

  • increased bleeding gums;
  • the formation of noticeable subcutaneous hematomas with minimal mechanical impact;
  • nosebleeds;
  • bleeding in the digestive tract.

Important:it is possible to assume the development of gastrointestinal bleeding if the stool becomes black or an admixture of blood is detected in it.

The development and slow healing of bone fractures can also be signs of a deficiency of naphthoquinones (vitamin K).

Indications for starting vitamin therapy

Vitamin K is often prescribed to pregnant women to prevent the development of bleeding during childbirth. For the same purpose, the compound can be administered prior to elective surgery.

Indications for starting synthetic vitamin K preparations (menadione) are:

  • low serum prothrombin;
  • bleeding after injury;
  • hemorrhagic syndrome;
  • hepatitis;
  • jaundice due to blockage of the bile ducts;
  • pulmonary bleeding on the background of tuberculous lesions;
  • hemorrhagic diathesis;
  • muscle weakness;
  • decreased motility or atony of the intestine;
  • fragility of the walls of blood vessels;
  • bleeding on the background of radiation exposure;
  • overdose of anticoagulants.


Important:
if bleeding is due to hemophilia, vitamin K preparations are ineffective.

Good day, dear visitors of the project “Good IS! ", section" "!

I am glad to bring to your attention information about vitamin K.

Vitamin K (Vitamin K) - a group of fat-soluble (lipophilic) and hydrophobic vitamins necessary for the synthesis of proteins that provide a sufficient level of blood clotting (coagulation).

Chemically, vitamin K is a derivative of 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone.

Vitamin K plays a significant role in bone and connective tissue metabolism, as well as in healthy kidney function. In all these cases, the vitamin is involved in the assimilation and in ensuring the interaction of calcium and. In other tissues, for example, in the lungs and in the heart, protein structures were also found that can only be synthesized with the participation of vitamin K. .

Vitamin K is also called the "antihemorrhagic vitamin".

The K vitamins include:

Vitamin K 1 or Phylloquinone (lat. Phytonadione), (2-methyl-3-[(2E)-3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec-2-en-1-yl]naphthoquinone).

Vitamin K 2 or Menaquinone, Menatetrenone.

Vitamin K 3 or Menadione (English menadione, a synonym for English Menaphtone), (2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone)
Vitamin K4 or Acetyl menadione (2-methyl-1,4-naphthohydroquinone).
Vitamin K5(2-methyl-4-amino-1-naphthohydroquinone).
Vitamin K6(2-methyl-1,4-diaminonaphthoquinone).
Vitamin K7(3-methyl-4-amino-1-naphthohydroquinone).

Vitamin K in history

In 1929, the Danish scientist Henrik Dam (Dan. Carl Peter Henrik Dam) investigated the effects of a lack of cholesterol in chickens fed a cholesterol-free diet. A few weeks later, the chickens developed hemorrhage - a hemorrhage into the subcutaneous tissue, muscles and other tissues. The addition of purified cholesterol did not eliminate pathological phenomena. It turned out that grains of cereals and other plant products have a healing effect. Along with cholesterol, substances were isolated from foods that contributed to increased blood clotting. This group of vitamins was given the name vitamin K, since the first report on these compounds was made in a German magazine, where they were called Koagulationsvitamin (coagulation vitamins).

In 1939, in the laboratory of the Swiss scientist Carrer, vitamin K was first isolated from alfalfa, it was called phylloquinone.

In the same year, American biochemists Binkley and Doisy obtained from rotting fishmeal a substance with an antihemorrhagic effect, but with different properties than the drug isolated from alfalfa. This substance was called vitamin K 2 in contrast to the vitamin from alfalfa, called vitamin K 1 .

In 1943, Dam and Doisy received the Nobel Prize for discovering and establishing the chemical structure of vitamin K.


Vitamins of group K are involved in many processes in the body.

The main ones are:

- blood clotting;
- strengthening the skeletal system;
- construction of heart and lung tissues;
- providing all cells with energy due to anabolic action;
- neutralizing action.

Vitamin K is called antihemorrhagic because it regulates the mechanism of blood clotting, which protects a person from internal and external bleeding in case of injury. It is because of this function that vitamin K is often given to women during childbirth and newborn babies to prevent possible bleeding. At the same time, despite its ability to favorably influence the blood coagulation system, vitamin K is useless in the treatment of hemophilia (a congenital disorder manifested by increased bleeding of tissues).

Also, vitamin K is involved in the synthesis of the protein osteocalcin, thereby ensuring the formation and restoration of bone tissues of the body, prevents, ensures the functioning of the kidneys, regulates the passage of many redox processes in the body, and has an antibacterial and analgesic effect. Provides the formation of proteins, which in turn are necessary for the development and normal functioning of the heart with the lungs.

In addition, vitamin K is involved in the absorption of calcium and in ensuring the interaction of calcium and.

This vitamin is an anabolic in its function, i.e. this compound normalizes the energy supply of the body.

If spoiled foods enter the intestines, their toxins damage the liver. Some toxic substances partially accumulate and continue to damage the cells of the body. Vitamin K has the ability to remove these accumulated toxic substances, thus saving tissues and organs from damage.

Vitamin K is also important for regulating blood sugar. With its deficiency, symptoms characteristic of.

It is important to note that vitamin K is also a prophylactic agent for inflammation associated with old age. It has the ability to reduce the level of specific substances that are perceived by the immune system as a signal of aging. With a sufficient level of vitamin K in the body, life expectancy increases and youth is preserved longer. According to these properties, it is similar to, which is also called the "vitamin of youth."

Some bacteria, such as E. coli found in the large intestine, are capable of synthesizing vitamin K 2 (but not vitamin K 1).

In these bacteria, vitamin K 2 serves as an electron carrier in a process called anaerobic respiration. For example, molecules such as lactates, formates or NADH, which are electron donors, donate two K 2 electrons with the help of an enzyme. Vitamin K 2 in turn donates these electrons to electron acceptor molecules such as fumarates or nitrates, which are respectively reduced to succinates or nitrites. As a result of such reactions, the cellular energy source ATP is synthesized, similar to how it is synthesized in eukaryotic cells with aerobic respiration. E. coli is capable of both aerobic and anaerobic respiration, in which menaquinone intermediates are involved.


General indications for the use of vitamin K preparations for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes are pathological conditions accompanied by hemorrhagic syndrome and hypoprothrombinemia.

Medical indications for the use of vitamin K:

- pregnant women during the last month of pregnancy to prevent bleeding in newborns;
— , ;
- obstructive jaundice;
- pulmonary bleeding in the lungs;
- dysproteinemia;
- long;
- hemorrhagic disease of the newborn;
- prevention of bleeding in preparation for a planned surgical operation;
- bleeding after injuries or surgical interventions;
- postoperative period with the threat of bleeding;
- septic diseases accompanied by hemorrhagic phenomena;
- bleeding and hemorrhagic diathesis;
- uterine juvenile and promenopausal bleeding;
- bleeding associated with a disease of the gastrointestinal tract (peptic ulcer, etc.);
- bleeding due to radiation sickness;
- intestinal atony;
- increased fragility of blood vessels;
- muscular;
- hemorrhages associated with an overdose of indirect anticoagulants and certain drugs (antibiotics, salicylates, sulfonamides, tranquilizers, anti-tuberculosis and antiepileptic drugs).

Important! The use of vitamin K in hemophilia and Werlhof's disease is not effective.

Contraindications to the use of vitamin K

- thrombosis, embolism,
- increased blood clotting,
- Hypersensitivity to the drug.


The requirement for vitamin K, that is, the amount needed to prevent deficiency under normal conditions, is 1 mcg per kilogram of body weight per day. A person weighing 60 kg needs 60 micrograms of vitamin K per day. A typical diet contains 300 to 500 micrograms of vitamin K per day. Vitamin deficiency is rare, except when diet is severely restricted or when drug interactions interfere with vitamin absorption. Even without food sources, a normally functioning population of gut bacteria can provide enough vitamin K.

Breastfed newborns are at risk of becoming vitamin K deficient because women's milk contains insufficient amounts of the vitamin, and their intestinal flora has not yet grown enough to produce it in the required quantities.

The need for vitamin K in newborns in the first days of life is 10-12 mcg.

Category Age (years) Vitamin K (mcg)
Infants 0 — 0.5 5
0.5 — 1 10
Children 1 — 3 15
4 — 6 20
7 — 10 30
Men 11 — 14 45
15 — 18 65
19 — 24 70
25 — 50 80
51 and older 80
Women 11 — 14 45
15 — 18 55
19 — 24 60
25 — 50 65
51 and older 65
During pregnancy 65
During lactation 65

Important! Antibiotics increase the required intake of vitamin K in supplements. Taking antibiotics that kill bacteria affects the process of its synthesis by intestinal bacteria. Antibiotics also affect the absorption of vitamin K.


For treatment, vitamin K is sometimes used as part of a combined treatment, with the determination of an individual dosage.

For medicinal purposes, the drug "" is often used, which is a synthetic analogue of vitamin K, and is considered as vitamin K 3.

Unlike natural preparations of vitamin K (phytomenadione, etc.), vikasol is a water-soluble compound and can be used not only inside, but also parenterally.

Dose of the drug:
- newborns - no more than 0.004 g (inside),
- children up to a year - 0.002-0.005 g,
- up to 2 years - 0.006 g,
- 3-4 years old - 0.008 g,
- 5-9 years old - 0.01 g,
- 10-14 years old - 0.015 g.

When administered intramuscularly:
- single dose - 0.015 g,
- daily - 0.03 g.

Issued:
- powders;
- tablets of 0.015 g,
- 1 ml ampoules of 1% solution.

Important! In the last trimester of pregnancy, taking large doses of synthetic vitamin K is not recommended, as this can lead to toxic reactions in the newborn.

Signs of an overdose (hypervitaminosis) of vitamin K

Taking extra-high doses of vitamin K over long periods of time allows it to accumulate in the body, which can lead to redness, increased sweating, disorders and poisoning, liver or brain damage.

Symptoms of deficiency (hypovitaminosis) of vitamin K

Deficiency of vitamins of group K in the body leads to the development of hemorrhagic syndrome.

In newborns, vitamin K deficiency is manifested by bleeding from the mouth, nose, navel, and urinary tract. Appear gastrointestinal bleeding, bloody, liquid, tarry feces, as well as intradermal and subcutaneous bleeding.

In adults, manifestations depend on the severity of vitamin deficiency and are manifested by intradermal and subcutaneous hemorrhages, bleeding gums, nasal and gastrointestinal bleeding.

An early sign of hypovitaminosis K is a low content of prothrombin in the blood (hypoprothrombinemia). With a decrease in the content of prothrombin to 35%, there is a risk of hemorrhage in case of injuries. With a decrease in the content of prothrombin to 15-20%, severe bleeding may develop.

Vitamin K deficiency can develop with, with prolonged intravenous nutrition, with violations of the formation and secretion of bile (infectious and toxic hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, cholelithiasis, pancreatic tumors, biliary dyskinesia), as well as with prolonged use of antibiotics or sulfanilamide drugs that can inhibit the intestinal microflora that synthesizes vitamin K.

One of the main causes of hypovitaminosis is also taking anticoagulants.

Traditional medical treatment for cardiovascular disease often involves the use of warfarin (Coumadin) and similar blood-thinning drugs, which destroy almost all of the vitamin K in the body.

Prolonged intravenous nutrition can also destroy this vitamin (bacteria in the intestines have nothing to eat and they die).

Cancer chemotherapy, antibiotic therapy, and the use of anticonvulsants also lead to vitamin K deficiency. Deficiency may be due to gastrointestinal disorders. Since most of the vitamin K in the body is synthesized by the intestinal microflora, its deficiency is often found in people with.

The cause of hypo- and avitaminosis K can also be diseases accompanied by impaired absorption of fats by the intestinal wall (, ulcerative colitis, diseases of the pancreas).

It is important to remember that sufficient intake of calcium to achieve a ratio of more than 2:1 between calcium and α will interfere with vitamin K synthesis or absorption and may cause internal bleeding.

A large intake (about 2200 IU per day) can reduce the absorption of vitamin K from the gastrointestinal tract and affect normal blood clotting.


The human body receives a significant part of vitamin K from food, while the rest is synthesized by the intestinal microflora. In order for vitamin K, which is in food, to be well absorbed, normal functioning of the liver and gallbladder is necessary.

Up to 1.5 mg of vitamin K is synthesized per day in the intestines of an adult. This happens mainly due to Escherichia coli, which actively secretes it. Vitamin K deficiency or beriberi can be either primary or secondary.

Natural

Vegetable: Green vegetables, spinach, tomato, asparagus, potatoes, cabbage, green tea, oatmeal, bananas, alfalfa, seaweed, cereals, avocados, kiwi, olive oil, soybeans and products from it.

Animals: Beef liver, eggs, milk and dairy products.

Synthesis in the body: Most of vitamin K is produced by bacteria in the intestines.

Chemical

Vitamin K is an antioxidant and antihemorrhagic fat soluble substance. It takes an active part in the process of blood clotting, preventing bleeding and hemorrhage. This vitamin not only enters the body with food, but is also partly formed in it due to the activity of intestinal microorganisms.

Functions

Vitamin K occurs naturally in two forms:

  1. plant phylloquinone (K1),
  2. bacterial menaquinone (K2).

Its main function in the body is to ensure proper blood clotting. It fully regulates this process, stopping bleeding and ensuring rapid healing of wounds. In addition, it increases the strength of the walls of blood vessels. This is important, first of all, for athletes, because thanks to it, muscle contractions increase, and the risk of blood loss during injuries is reduced. Vitamin deficiency contributes to the development of hemorrhagic disease.

Vitamin K is also important for bone formation and repair. Providing the synthesis of bone tissue protein, on which calcium subsequently crystallizes, it prevents the development of osteoporosis and helps regulate redox processes in the body.

As part of cell membranes, it participates in the formation of the main sources of energy in the human body, normalizes muscle function and the motor function of the gastrointestinal tract, and helps prevent the formation of kidney stones. It is often prescribed to pregnant women to prevent fetal death from heavy bleeding.

When spoiled foods enter the human body, the toxins contained in them have a detrimental effect on the liver. Vitamin K neutralizes the harmful effects of aflatoxins, coumarin and other toxic substances that accumulate in the body.

Indications for use

The additional use of vitamin K is justified for any injuries and wounds, bleeding, peptic ulcer and radiation disease.

In addition, indications may be:

  • chronic liver diseases;
  • hardening of the arteries;
  • inflammatory bowel disease;
  • cystic fibrosis;
  • pancreas cancer;
  • stones in the kidneys;
  • liver cancer;
  • osteoporosis or osteopenia;
  • nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Vitamin K supplementation is indicated for newborns to prevent the development of symptoms of its deficiency.

Contraindications

Under normal conditions, the development of vitamin K deficiency is almost impossible, since the intestinal bacteria in the human body constantly produce it in small quantities.

Hypovitaminosis can develop in the following cases:

  • with a lack of bile acids involved in the process of assimilation of fat-soluble vitamins (with pathology of the liver or biliary tract);
  • with intestinal dysbiosis (after antibiotic therapy and treatment with sulfonamides);
  • in case of poisoning with coumarin anticoagulants or third-generation cephalosporins.

Newborns who are breastfed are at risk of becoming deficient in this vitamin, since mother's milk contains insufficient amounts of it, and the intestinal flora of infants is still unable to synthesize it on its own. In this regard, on the 2nd-4th day of a baby’s life, he may experience bleeding from the umbilical residue, metrorrhagia, melena, and in some cases hemorrhages in the liver, lungs, adrenal glands or brain.

Typically, vitamin K deficiency is accompanied by symptoms associated with blood clotting problems. These symptoms may also include bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, minor bruising, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia, nosebleeds, and blood in the urine.

Among other things, osteoporosis (reduced bone density), osteopenia (loss of bone tissue) and fractures are possible.

Hypervitaminosis

Even with excessive use of vitamin K, unwanted side reactions of the body develop extremely rarely. Its use in synthetic forms can lead to hemolytic anemia, increased bilirubin in the blood, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.

daily requirement

The daily requirement for this vitamin in adults has not been precisely determined. Approximately it is from 60 to 140 mcg. The daily amount is determined at the rate of 1 mcg per kilogram of weight.

Green leafy vegetables are the richest in vitamin K, containing 50-800 micrograms per 100 grams of product. It is present in all green plants. There is especially a lot of it in alfalfa, green tea, kelp, green tomatoes, any cabbage, spinach leaves, nettle, rosehip, raspberry, linden, birch and gout. This vitamin is also found in casein, pork liver, eggs, soybean oil and walnuts.

As a rule, the vitamin is well preserved during storage and processing of products. Freezing, storage and heat treatment of vegetables and fruits, which contain vitamin K, does not cause its significant loss.

4.21 out of 5 (12 Votes)

Even at the beginning of the last century, doctors established the undoubted benefits of vitamins and minerals for our health. But in order for these substances not to harm, a strict balance of their content in the body must be observed. Both deficiency and excess of vitamins can lead to negative consequences, sometimes very serious. Therefore, taking any dietary supplements can be started only after consulting a doctor.

The main functions of vitamin K1

For good health, it is necessary to provide the body with various trace elements. One of them is vitamin K1. It is not as well known as ascorbic acid, but its importance to health cannot be overestimated. In addition, it must be remembered that the body does not synthesize vitamin K1 on its own. The formula of this trace element is such that it can only be found in foods and nutritional supplements.

It was first isolated in the 20s of the last century. A scientist from Denmark, Henrik Dam, after conducting a series of laboratory studies, found that blood coagulates better under the influence of some substance obtained from the outside. Later, he succeeded in deriving his formula. It was named konakion, vitamin K1, after the first letter of the phrase koagulations vitamin. What is the translation of this concept? "Vitamin that promotes blood clotting."

This is one of the most important functions of the trace element. After all, it is blood clotting that ensures a fast process. This factor is also very important during medical operations. In addition, doctors often use phytomenadione (vitamin K1 of synthetic origin) in antihemorrhagic therapy. It helps to prevent and reduce the intensity of external and internal bleeding.

Several elements are included in the K group of vitamins, but K1 and K2 are the most famous among them. Their difference lies in the fact that we get the first from plant foods, and the second from animal products.

Properties of vitamin K1

As mentioned above, the trace element in question affects blood clotting and reduces its loss during abdominal operations, as well as in the event of wounds and scratches. This substance belongs to the category of fat-soluble and quickly loses its beneficial properties under the influence. However, scientists were able to create a type of vitamin K1 that does not break down in the light. The most popular drug that contains it is the Konakion tool, developed by doctors from Europe. It provides the necessary amount of vitamin in the case when it is not supplied in sufficient quantities with food. Often a course of the drug "Konakion" is prescribed to patients before an extensive operation. Sometimes it is recommended to women during the period of bearing a child. Vitamin K1 helps prevent the risk of bleeding during childbirth.

The drug "Konakion" is especially useful for the elderly. With age, more and more inflammatory processes begin in the body, and vitamin K1 can reduce the likelihood of their occurrence. In no case should you take the drug yourself without consulting your doctor. But eating foods rich in natural vitamin K1 is very useful.

Promotes phytomenadione and maintains the youthfulness of the body. It neutralizes free radicals and toxins that destroy body cells and lead to aging. It is believed that vitamin K1 can prevent the appearance and development of malignant tumors.

This microelement also plays a very important role in the metabolic processes occurring in bone and connective tissues. It supports the normal functioning of the kidneys and facilitates the absorption of calcium.

Practical use

Doctors may prescribe drugs containing synthetic vitamin K1 in the following cases:

  • to reduce the risk of internal bleeding;
  • to prevent adverse effects after surgery;
  • for the prevention of osteochondrosis and osteoporosis.

Vitamin K1 deficiency

It is easy to guess that the lack of conacion in the body can lead to sad consequences. Fortunately, such cases are rare. Still, they consume a fairly large number of foods containing vitamin K1. And although it is not synthesized by the body, its deficiency is not common.

It can be observed in newborns, since there is very little vitamin K1 in breast milk. Sometimes this is the result of malnutrition of the expectant mother. Because of this, the infant may experience internal or external hemorrhages (bloody stools or vomiting). This is easily corrected with adequate treatment.

In adults, vitamin K1 deficiency can manifest itself in the form of subcutaneous, gastric, external bleeding. Often there is also bleeding gums. This is due to poor nutrition or the use of a number of medications.

Too much vitamin K1

An overabundance of the trace element is extremely rare. This is possible in case of abuse of drugs containing konakion. Overdose symptoms appear only in the case of prolonged uncontrolled intake of synthetic vitamin K1. They can be expressed in increased sweating, poisoning, indigestion, damage to the tissues of the liver and even the brain. If you experience these symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Vitamin K1: where is it found

As mentioned above, a person can receive this microelement only from the outside. It is found in the following products:

  • spinach;
  • tomatoes;
  • asparagus;
  • cabbage;
  • potato;
  • avocado;
  • kiwi;
  • bananas;
  • oatmeal;
  • olive oil;
  • alfalfa;
  • seaweed;
  • green tea;
  • rose hip.

Vitamin K1 for animals

Konakion is useful not only for humans. Vitamin K1 is essential for dogs and cats. He takes an active part in metabolism, cell synthesis and the formation of proteins by the liver that are responsible for normal blood clotting. Its deficiency can cause various disorders. So, when stopping, bleeding may occur. That is why vitamin K1 for dogs is very important. This is especially true for animals over 12 years old. Useful vitamins K1 for wool. They are produced in various forms. It can be drops, but some animals refuse to take them, and it is quite problematic to force them to drip, especially if the dog is large. Pets really like various pills in the form of a bone or a ball.

They are happy to try them by mouth and perceive them as a pleasant treat. It is necessary to give vitamin K1 in courses, taking breaks. Before use, you should consult a veterinarian.

Vitamin K belongs to the group of fat-soluble vitamins. He received this name because of his participation in the process of coagulation (clotting) of blood - koagulations vitamin. This vitamin can accumulate in liver cells, which can lead to an overdose if taken in excess. This damages the cells of the liver, brain, red blood (erythrocytes). However, this pattern is very rare. The vitamin is not stable in alkaline solutions and when exposed to ultraviolet rays. Among natural substances, vitamins are considered active K1 and vitamin K2, among synthetic - vitamin K3 and a water-soluble analogue of vikasol.

Only vitamin is synthesized in the gastrointestinal tract K2. It is produced by microorganisms in the small intestine. Most of vitamin K is synthesized by Escherichia coli. The remaining forms of this compound come from food.

daily requirement

The amount of vitamin K required for mandatory use per day has not been precisely established. The approximate amount of this vitamin can be calculated as follows: for each kilogram of weight - 1 mcg vitamin A. For example, if a person's weight is 60 kg, then you need to consume 60 mcg vitamin K. Usually, a little more than is needed with food, but this does not lead to symptoms of an overdose.

The table below shows approximate data on the daily requirement for this vitamin:

Functions in the body

Vitamins of group K are involved in many processes in the body. The main ones are:
blood clotting;
strengthening the skeletal system;
building tissues of the heart and lungs;
providing all cells with energy due to anabolic action;
detoxifying action.

In order for the body not to lose a lot of blood after any damage, there is a mechanism that ensures the formation of a clot in this place. This clot (or thrombus) appears as a result of the interaction of special proteins. These proteins are formed in the liver with the help of vitamin K. Thus, with a lack of this vitamin, the ability of the blood to clot drops sharply.

Vitamin K plays an important role in building bone tissue. He accelerates the deposition of calcium in the bone, and also provides the interaction of this element with vitamin D.

The heart and lungs contain proteins that require vitamin K to form.

This vitamin in its function is anabolic, i.e. this compound normalizes the energy supply of the body.

If spoiled foods enter the intestines, their toxins damage the liver. Some toxic substances partially accumulate and continue to damage the cells of the body. Vitamin K has the ability to flush out these accumulated toxic substances. thus saving tissues and organs from damage.

Vitamin K is also important for regulating blood sugar. With its deficiency, symptoms characteristic of diabetes may appear.

In addition, vitamin K is a prophylactic agent for inflammation associated with old age. It has the ability to reduce the level of specific substances that are perceived by the immune system as a signal of aging. With a sufficient level of vitamin K in the body, life expectancy increases and youth is preserved longer.

Vitamin K is also useful for pregnant women, because. it prevents the development of heavy bleeding during childbirth.

Despite its ability to favorably influence the blood coagulation system, vitamin K is useless in the treatment of hemophilia (a congenital disorder that manifests itself as increased bleeding of tissues).

Vitamin K deficiency

The human body receives a significant part of vitamin K from food, while the rest is synthesized by the intestinal microflora. In order for vitamin K, which is in food, to be well absorbed, normal functioning of the liver and gallbladder is necessary.

In the intestines of an adult, vitamin K is synthesized in a certain amount. This happens mainly due to Escherichia coli, which actively secretes it. Vitamin K deficiency or beriberi can be either primary or secondary.

In children of the first five days of life, there are practically no these microorganisms in the intestines, which is why they often have primary K-avitaminosis.

In an adult, if they develop, then only secondary K-avitaminosis. The most common causes of what is happening are the lack of conditions for the absorption of vitamins K or a decrease in its formation by Escherichia coli. As a rule, the following diseases and conditions lead to such conditions:
cholelithiasis, liver diseases, especially complicated by obstructive jaundice. For absorption of vitamin K, bile must enter the intestines, and in this case it either does not enter at all or enters in small quantities. At the same time, the assimilation of not only this vitamin, but also of all representatives of the group (vitamin A, E, D) suffers.
colitis, gastrointestinal disorders, disorders of the pancreas;
taking antibiotics, which, in addition to pathogenic bacteria, also kill the normal intestinal microflora;
long-term intravenous nutrition (bacteria in the intestines have nothing to eat and they die);
chemotherapy, the use of anticonvulsants cause a decrease in vitamin K in the blood.

Vitamin K deficiency can be judged by the external manifestations of this disorder. These include:
long-term non-stop bleeding that occurs even with the slightest injury;
bruising;
bleeding gums;
anemia (decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the blood);
painful and longer than usual menstruation;
indigestion and removal of food from the intestines;
increased fatigue and general weakness as manifestations of developed anemia.

With the use of certain drugs (anticoagulants), a decrease in the level of vitamin K can also be observed, and as a result, a violation of the rate of blood clotting. These substances include coumarin derivatives - dimumarin, marcumar, and derivatives of 1,3-indanedione - fevindione, dipaxin. They are taken to prevent the formation of blood clots in all cardiovascular diseases. The symptoms that occur while taking these drugs are the same as in an avitaminous state. It is possible to restore this violation by introducing into the blood a synthetic analogue of vitamin K - vikasol. Synthetic vitamin K has the same activity as natural.

An overdose of vitamin K is almost never found.

Important! Although vitamin K does not have a toxic effect, the danger of large doses is an undesirable increase in blood clotting, which can lead to the formation of blood clots in the vessels (the development of a stroke or heart attack).

Sources in products

Vitamin K is present in all green plants: green leafy vegetables, all types of cabbage. It is also found in oils (soy and olive), walnuts, fish oil, milk, eggs.

Meat contains very little vitamin K. The main source of animal origin is the liver, and it all depends on what the animal was fed. Unfortunately, today, animals whose meat is intended for catering are raised on feed that is unlikely to lead to the accumulation of vitamin K in this meat.

A very small amount of vitamin K is found in fruits and root vegetables.

The table shows the content of this compound in an amount per 100 g:

Interaction with other substances

Vitamin K does not interfere with the absorption of any substances and goes well with fatty foods (kefir, yogurt, fish oil). Reduced absorption of vitamin K contribute to:
large doses of vitamin E;
sleeping pills (barbiturates);
antibiotics;
alcohol;
fizzy drinks;
preservatives;
flavors;
dyes.

It is necessary to pay attention to this when searching for the cause of reduced blood clotting.

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