Vitamin K
A Blood Clotting Agent and Bone Builder
Vitamin K is a necessary component of the body’s ability to clot blood. Without this function, a simple cut could result in uncontrolled bleeding. In addition, vitamin K has an important role in the formation of bone. Higher levels of vitamin K mean more calcium in the bone, increased bone density, and less risk of fractures.
Vitamin K1 and K2
Vitamin K is stored in the liver as Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and Vitamin K2 (menaquinone). Dietary sources of vitamin K1 are found in plant sources and vegetable oils while vitamin K2 is produced by bacteria in the intestines. Vitamin K absorption can be impaired by many types of absorption-blocking lipids, most notably mineral oil. For this reason, vitamin K supplements should not be taken close to a meal.
Clot Formation
Vitamin K is a component of several different clotting factors that are needed to control bleeding in the body. A blood test used to determine how long it takes for blood to clot is called a prothrombin time (PT). An abnormal PT result is a red flag that a possible bleeding disorder is present. Also the information derived from the test results has been used as an indicator before surgery and to pinpoint issues related to anticoagulation therapy.
Bone Protein
Vitamin K is needed to produce osteocalcin, a bone protein that binds to calcium. It has been found that low levels of Vitamin K are associated with low bone density. Vitamin K when combined with vitamin D and calcium supplementation has the potential to reduce fractures, and other conditions related to bone loss.
Dr. Susan Brown, Ph.D. from women to women says, “Without adequate vitamin K, more bone is lost and fracture risk increases. While vitamin K deficiency is common among all ages, studies show that younger adults and postmenopausal women tend to have particularly low levels of vitamin K.”
However, results from a study in Canada, reported by Angela Cheung, MD, of Toronto's University Health Network states that, “taking vitamin K for osteopenia does not protect postmenopausal women from age-related declines in bone density.”
Deficiencies
Vitamin K deficiencies are more common than originally thought and easily misdiagnosed. For example, a common nosebleed can be caused by a number of conditions one of which is a vitamin K deficiency, but most-often is misdiagnosed as dry nasal passages. In another example, bleeding gums (periodontal disease) is most commonly associated with poor oral hygiene. However the condition has also been found to be related to a vitamin K deficiency.
Causes of Deficiencies
When there is a true vitamin K deficiency it is often related to:
- Fat malabsorption syndrome: A person suffering from this syndrome has difficulty absorbing fat from the intestinal tract.
- Anticoagulation therapy: Vitamin K, as a coagulant, when combined with anticoagulants such as Coumadin, causes interference of the medication's ability to thin the blood.
- Antibiotic therapy: Antibiotics do not differentiate between harmful and good bacteria. Since vitamin K2 is synthesized by intestinal bacteria, the potential for destruction of these necessary microbes is at risk.
- Overuse of antacids: The pH levels in the body range from acidic to alkaline. In the gastrointestinal tract the pH level is acidic. Vitamin K absorption functions optimally in an acidic environment. When individuals take antacids on a regular basis, the pH level is altered and could result in impaired vitamin K absorption.
Conditions Related to Deficiencies
Deficiencies in vitamin K have been linked to the following conditions:
- Bruising
- Bleeding gums
- Nose bleeds
- Heavy menstrual periods
- prolonged clotting times
More serious deficiencies have been linked to:
- Hemorrhages
- Hematomas
- Osteopenia
- Osteoporosis
- Fractures
Precautions
There are a number of diseases that require the circulating blood to be thinner than normal to prevent the risk of developing blood clots:
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
- Strokes
- Cardiovascular Disease
In less severe cases a daily aspirin might be prescribed. But In some cases, a stronger medication (anticoagulant) is required to keep the blood thinner:
- Coumadin
- Warfarin
- Heparin
It is important to note that salicylates (aspirin) are found in a variety of preparations, and to reduce the risk of over medicating on anticoagulants the label should be carefully read.
Individuals on anticoagulation therapy are at risk for bruising and internal bleeding. Prothrombin time is monitored regularly to assess blood clotting time, and medication is adjusted based on the blood test results.
In conclusion, vitamin K is a supplement with bone healing capabilities as well as anticoagulation benefits to reduce the risk of thrombolytic vascular injuries. Further research is being done on the healing benefits of this supplement.
Sources of Susan Brown and Angela Cheung reports:
Brown, Susan, “Calcium and Vitamin K.” womentowomen.com, January 21, 2009. Accessed March 11, 2009
Cheung, Angela, “Vitamin K no Help for Bone Density.” WebMD.com/osteoporosis,October 14, 2008. Accessed March 11, 2009.
A Good Source of Vitamin K
|
What do you think about this article?
Comments
More in Health & Wellness
Latest Articles