Vitamin K (Phylloquinone)
What is Vitamin K?
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin which plays a key
role in blood coagulation. Its name comes from the
German name, Koagulationsvitamin. There are three
forms, two naturally occurring and one synthetic: K1
(phylloquinone-synthesized from plants, especially
chlorophyll) and K2 (memaquinone-synthesized from
gut bacteria) and K3, the synthetic derivative.
stops hemorrhage. It plays a part in the formation
of the clotting factors: prothrombin (factor 2) and
clotting factors V11, 1X and X. A deficiency of vitamin
K can accordingly lead to hemorrhage which cannot
be stopped. It is responsible for activating bone
proteins such as osteocalcin to bind with calcium to
build healthy bones. This is particularly important for
older individuals who lose calcium from the bones
and require K1 supplements.
Why is Vitamin K important and
what does it do in the body?
What amount of Vitamin K
do you need each day?
Vitamin K plays a crucial role in the so-called
“clotting cascade” where the formation of blood clots
Vitamin K is very safe. The preferred forms are K1
(phylloquinone) and/or K2 (memaquinone).The latter
is derived from plants, especially from chlorophyll.
It is best to use fat-soluble chlorophyll for better gut
absorption. Fat-soluble chlorophyll also contains
other beneficial components such as beta carotene
and vitamin K1.
K
Vitamin
The DRI (Daily Recommended Intake) /RDA
(Recommended Daily Allowance) of dietary vitamin
K are listed on the next page:
Please Note: By definition, the DRI/RDA
recommendations apply only to 98% of healthy
individuals and are not sufficient for those with
higher nutrient requirements based upon their
biochemical individuality, genetics, health status,
medications, deficiencies, lifestyle, and toxic
exposures.
The daily Adequate Intake for vitamin K is:
Adult
ŸMen 19 years and older: 120 mcg
ŸWomen 19 years and older: 90 mcg
ŸPregnant and breastfeeding women
14 - 18 years: 75 mcg
ŸPregnant and breastfeeding women
19 years and older: 90 mcg
Note: Individuals with gallbladder or biliary disease,
cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, or Crohn’s disease
cannot absorb sufficient vitamin K and will benefit
more from a multivitamin containing vitamin K
than individual vitamin K supplements. In certain
circumstances a vitamin K shot may be given by a
healthcare professional.
Pediatric
A single injection of vitamin K is given at birth.
ŸInfants birth - 6 months: 2 mcg
ŸInfants 7 - 12 months: 2.5 mcg
ŸChildren 1 - 3 years: 30 mcg
ŸChildren 4 - 8 years: 55 mcg
ŸChildren 9 - 13 years: 60 mcg
ŸAdolescents 14 - 18 years: 75 mcg
RECOMMENDED DAILY
ALLOWANCE
50mcg/Day
OPTIMAL DAILY ALLOWANCE
1,000mg/Day
NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS AND CONDITIONS
What are possible Vitamin K
deficiency conditions
and symptoms?
ŸBleeding disorders
ŸCoronary thrombosis
ŸDiarrhea
ŸExcessive menstrual flow
ŸHemorrhagic disease in newborns
ŸLow blood platelets
ŸNose bleeds and hemorrhages
ŸOsteoporosis
ŸPoor blood clotting
What are possible Vitamin K
excess symptoms?
Administration of Vitamin K1 has no known side
effects or toxicity.
What steals Vitamin K
from the body?
ŸHigh doses of Vitamin E and Vitamin A interfere with Vitamin K absorption.
ŸSqualene - decreases absorption of Vitamin K
ŸOlestra - inhibits absorption of Vitamin K
ŸDrugs that deplete Vitamin K levels:
ŸAspirin and salicylates
ŸBile acid sequestrants: Cholestyramine
(questran) and Colestipol (Colestid)
ŸBroad spectrum antibiotics: Amoxicillin/
Clavulanic Acid (Augmentin) and Vancomycin
and Cephalosporins: Celoperazone, Cefotetan,
Cefamandole, Latamoxfet and Cefazolin
ŸWeight management drugs: Orlistat (Xenical)
ŸAnti-clotting drugs: Warfarin (Coumadin) stops vitamin K synthesis
ŸAnticonvulsants: Phenytoin- interferes with the
ability to use vitamin K
What tests can be used to
assess Vitamin K levels?
ŸPhylloquinone in plasma (<1nmol/L suggests
deficiency)
ŸPIVKA-11 (<29mAU/ml suggests deficiency) (an
abnormal coagulation protein)
ŸProthrombin time (>12 seconds suggests
deficiency)
What foods contain the highest amounts of Vitamin K?
TOP 10 VITAMIN K (PHYLLOQUINONE) RICH FOODS ARE:
1.Cauliflower
3,600mcg/100g
2.Brussels sprouts
1,888mcg/100g
3.Kale
882mcg/100g
4.Spinach
861mcg/100g
5.Green peas
260mcg/100g
6.Spring Onions
207mcg/100g
7.Broccoli
200mcg/100g
8.Asparagus
144mcg/100g
9.Cabbage
125mcg/100g
10.Prunes
60mcg/100g
What are the best Vitamin K products?
Vitamin K is not generally required except for specific health problems where there is a deficiency.
K1 and K2 are the preferred supplemental forms.
REFERENCES
Vitamin K | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/
medical/altmed/supplement/vitamin-k#ixzz35PdLEGb8
University of Maryland Medical Center
Sidney. M.D, Pangborn. Jon Autism effective Biomedical Treatments 2005
Lord S.Richard, Bralley J. Alexander, Laboratory Evaluations for Integrative and
Functional Medicine 2nd Ed 2008
Sharon, Michael Dr. Complete Nutrition 2002
Murray. T. Michael. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements 1996
Holford. Patrick The Optimum Nutrition Bible 2012
Laake. Dana Nutrient Chart (not published)
Groff. Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism 5th 2009
Gibson Principles of Nutritional Assessment 2nd Ed. 2007
Clinical Nutrition: A functional Approach 2nd Ed. IFM 2004
Harpers review of Biochemistry. Lange Med 26 Ed 2009
Office of Dietary Supplements, NIH Fact sheets 2010
Balch. A. Phyllis CNC Prescription for Nutritional Healing 2002
All the statements, including product labels, supporting literature and/or product manufacturers websites have not
been evaluated by FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Vitamin K (Phylloquinone)
What are the very best Vitamin K products to buy?
ProThera K2
Klaire VitaSpectrum
Natural source as menaquinone-7 (MK-7).
Recent evidence indicates several important
functions for vitamin K beyond its role in blood
coagulation, including benefits for bone health
and vascular function. Natural vitamin K2, also …
Powdered multiple vitamin/mineral supplement
for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
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ProThera MultiThera 3
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