Vitamin K (Phytonadione)

Research, Benefits and Cautions.

Overview:
Vitamin K, otherwise known as phytonadione, promotes production factors critical to normal blood clotting. When foods are processed or cooked, very little of vitamin K contained in foods is lost. Great sources of this vitamin include dark leafy greens, oils from green plants, and some dairy products.

How This Vitamin Works in Your Body:
Regulates normal blood clotting
Promotes normal growth and development
Essential for kidney functioning

Where This Vitamin is Found:
Alfalfa
Asparagus
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Cheddar cheese
Green, leafy lettuce
Liver
Seaweed
Spinach
Turnip greens

How to Use:
Available as:
Liquid: the best form due to its high bioavailability and fast absorption. Always choose liquid as your first choice when supplementing your diet.
Tablets: available

Recommended Daily Intakes
Men: 80 mcg
Women: 65 mcg
Pregnancy: 65 mcg
Lactation: 65 mcg

Cautions:
Consult your doctor if you have:
Cystic fibrosis
Prolonged diarrhea
Prolonged intestinal problems
Taken any other medicines
Plans for surgery in the near future

Over 55:
No problems should occur. Keep within DRI.

Pregnancy:
Keep dosage within DRI. Always consult doctor during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding:
Keep dosage within DRI. Always consult doctor during lactation.

Storage:
Heat and/or moisture may alter the vitamin. Refrigeration is recommended.

Symptoms of Deficiency:
Symptoms include prolonged clotting time, easy bleeding, and bruising. This deficiency is rare in adults and normally limited to those with liver or food absorption disorders. However, it may occur in premature babies.

Overdose:
Signs of Overdose:
Infants may have brain damage and impaired liver function.

Side Effects:
Reaction or effect : What to do
Hemolytic anemia in infants : Emergency treatment should be immediate.
Hyperbilirubinemia (too much bilirubin in the blood) in newborns or infants given too much vitamin K,
marked by jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) : Emergency treatment should be immediate.
Allergic reactions, including:
Face flushing : Discontinue. Consult doctor immediately.
Gastrointestinal upset : Discontinue. Consult doctor immediately.
Rash : Discontinue. Consult doctor immediately.
Redness, pain or swelling at injection site : Discontinue. Consult doctor immediately.
Skin itching : Seek emergency treatment

Interactions:
Interacts with : Combined effect
Antacids (long-term use) : :Large amounts reduce vitamin efficacy.
Antibiotics, broad spectrum (long-term use) : Vitamin-K deficiency results.
Anticoagulants (oral) : Anticoagulant effect reduced.
Cholestyramine : Vitamin-K absorption reduced.
Colestipol : Vitamin-K absorption reduced.
Coumarin (isolated from sweet clover) : Decreases vitamin-K efficacy.
Dactinomycin : Decreases vitamin-K efficacy.
Hemolytics : Toxic side effects could result.
Mineral oil (long- term use) : Vitamin-K deficiency results.
Primaquine : Toxic side effects could result.
Quinidine : Vitamin-K deficiency results.
Salicylates : Vitamin K need increased.
Sucralfate : Decreases vitamin-K efficacy.
Sulfa drugs : Vitamin-K deficiency results.

 


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