| Vitamin K was found to be essential
when it’s role in the synthesis of several blood coagulation factors was
determined. In fact, the "K" in Vitamin K came from the Danish word
"koagulation," which means "blood clotting". Vitamin K is
actually 3 different compounds, all of which are fat soluble. It is absorbed
from the upper small intestine with the help of bile (or bile salts) and
pancreatic secretions, and then carried to the liver.
Vitamin K is used to reverse the effects of prescription medications like
Coumadin or Warfarin which are "blood thinners". Many medications
cause a vitamin K deficiency and thus a supplement maybe needed to help this
problem.
Several proteins involved in blood clotting require Vitamin K. When there
isn’t enough K, blood takes longer to clot, increasing the amount of blood
lost. Vitamin K is also necessary for the synthesis of a protein that may help
regulate blood calcium levels. Calcium, usually associated with keeping bones
strong, is also necessary for blood clotting.
Accumulating evidence supports an active role for Vitamin K in bone health. High
intakes of Vitamin K are associated with a lower risk of hip fracture in women;
and conversely, low intakes of Vitamin K are associated with low bone mineral
density and increased risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis.
Research has found that people with osteoporosis have much lower blood levels of
vitamin K than other people. Vitamin K plays a roles in the formation of new
bone. This has lead researchers to look at the relationship between vitamin K
and osteoporosis.
Vitamin K has a key role in the synthesis of at least two proteins involved in
calcium and bone metabolism. One of these proteins has been shown to be a strong
inhibitor of vascular calcification, thus Vitamin K appears to have a role in
maintaining vascular health.
In addition, Vitamin K may influence bone metabolism through its effect on
urinary calcium excretion or by inhibiting the production of bone resorbing
agents.
Vitamin K is made by bacteria, including beneficial flora found in the human GI
tract. However, a newborn’s gastrointestinal tract is typically sterile for a
few days after birth. The production of Vitamin K and, therefore, clotting
factors, begins by the fourth day of life, giving babies their ability to clot
blood. To help the protect them, newborns are typically given Vitamin K
injections shortly after birth.
People who are at risk of having problems related to abnormal blood clotting,
such as those with a history of stroke or heart disease are often put on
anti-coagulation therapy. These medications reduce blood clotting by competing
with Vitamin K. Anyone on anticoagulant medicine (blood thinners) should know
that the amount of Vitamin K in the diet may affect how well the medications
work.
Deficiency of vitamin K is more common in people with intestinal malabsorption
disorders which include: colitis, inileitis, or after bowel surgery. Lack of
Vitamin K can result in problems with blood clotting and increased bleeding.
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