VITAMIN K
  • Dosing
    		•
  • Therapeutic Uses
    		•
  • Sources
  • High-Risk Groups
    		•
  • Deficiency Consequences
    		•
  • Toxicity/Side Effects
  • Contraindications
    		•
  • Additional Information
    		•
  • Drug Interactions


    • United States Recommended Dietary Allowances
    Men - 45 - 80 micrograms/day, Women 45 - 65 micrograms, Pregnant women - 65 micrograms, Nursing mothers - 65 micrograms, Children - 15 - 30 micrograms





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    Therapeutic Uses
    Needed for normal blood clotting (prothrombin formation).





    Table of Contents Vitamin K Member Doctors TCCA Home Page





    Sources
    Dark green or leafy vegetables (broccoli, turnip greens, romaine lettuce, cabbage), coliflower, pork, liver, vegetable oils.




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    High-Risk Groups
    Unsupplemented newborns, excessive anticoagulant medication, diseases of the liver (liver is unable to make prothrombin), long term antibiotic therapy, poor diet, chronic fat-malabsorption syndromes (biliary obstruction, cystic fibrosis, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease).



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    Deficiency Consequences
    Deficiency of vitamin K can result in hemorrhage from deficient prothrombin (hypothrombinemia). Deficiency can also lead to excessive bruising.




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    Toxicity/Side Effects
    No evidence of vitamin K being toxic at levels up to 500 times the RDA. Menadione is toxic and can cause hemolytic anemia, hyperbilirubinemia and kernicerus in infants.




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    Contraindications
    None.






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    Additional Information/Precautions
    Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin that aids in the making of 6 blood clotting regulators. Up to one-half of our daily requirement is made by our intestinal flora. It can also be found in alfalfa, spirulina and chlorophyll. 3 forms identified: vit K1 - phylloquinone from plant sourses, vit K2 - menaquinone from bacteria in our intestinal tract and vit K3 - menadione which is the provitamin form. Vitamin K can possibly aid in the prevention of osteoporosis. It aids in 2 necessary proteins used in bone metabolism.


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    Drug Interactions
    Vitamin K and warfin (Coumadin) can decrease blood coagulation. Long term antibiotic therapy can increase the need for vitamin K.





    Table of Contents Vitamin K Member Doctors TCCA Home Page




    References
    1. Chiropractic Nutritional Reference 1987 Edition, James M. Gerber, DC
    2. Facts and Comparisons Drug Information, Updated Monthly, Loose-leaf drug information service
    3. RA Pharmacist Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs and Other Nutrients, 1998.