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Vitamin K
The vitamin K is mainly used in the clotting process of blood in the human body. The vitamins are classified into two classes-fat soluble vitamin and water soluble vitamin. Vitamin K comes under the category of fat soluble vitamins. In the body, the fatty tissues store these vitamins.
Chemically speaking, vitamin K comes in the group of 2-methilo-naphthoquinone derivatives. Vitamin K1, vitamin K2 and vitamin K3 are the three notable forms.
- Vitamin K1-Phylloquinone
- Vitamin K2-Menaquinones
- Vitamin K3-Menadiones
Generally vitamin K is stored in small quantity in the body. It is deposited in the liver and in the bones. This vitamin plays important role in blood clotting, in bone metabolism and in liver diseases.
Food Sources Of Vitamin K:
Cauliflower, cabbage, green vegetables, cereals, soybeans are some sources of vitamin K. Vitamin K may be made by the bacteria that line the gastrointestinal tract of the body. Brussels sprouts, spinach, kale and broccoli are also some sources of this vitamin.
How much vitamin K is required for newly born baby?
The survey says that about one baby in 10000 babies suffer because of vitamin K deficiency. If babies do not have enough vitamin K, they might have nose or mouth bleeding or internal bleeding which might be very serious. This disease is called Haemorrhagic disease of the newborn [HDN].Vitamin K deficiency bleeding shortly known as VKDB in newborn babies. Researches have been made and studies have also advised to protect the children from VKDB by giving vitamin K by injection. Later it was found that by injecting vitamin K may lead the baby at a risk of getting another disease called as childhood leukemia [a blood cancer].
Side Effects:
While treatment is going on with antibiotics for a long period, then it would lead to vitamin K deficiency. Bruising and bleeding occurs in human body when there is vitamin K deficiency.
Deficiency of Vitamin K:
Deficiency rarely occurs and when the body is unable to absorb the vitamin from the intestinal tract. Deficiency might also be possible because of the result of impaired absorption though getting enough in the diet. In adults deficiency is rarely known. They get this deficiency only when they are suffering from the disease which prevents the absorption of fat.
Celiac disease and cystic fibrosis are the disease leading to vitamin K deficiency. Deficiency of vitamin k may lead the body to the disease like epistaxis, hematuria, gastrointestinal bleeding etc. Newborn babies those having deficiency results the babies in hemorrhagic disease as well as post operative bleeding and hematuria.
How much vitamin K is required for the body?
The Human body uses only vitamin K to control blood clotting and it is essential for synthesizing the protein stored in the liver which controls the blood clotting. Prothrombin is created by vitamin K.
What is prothrombin?
Prothrombin is a precursor to thrombin which is an important factor in the process of blood clotting. Bone formation and bone repairing needs vitamin K. Vitamin K assists in conversion of glucose to glycogen in the intestine and is stored in the liver. To some extent vitamin K decrease the severity of osteoporosis.
Vitamin K - Functions and Benefits:
Blood Clotting:
When the human body faces any injury automatically the body starts the process of blood clotting to protect the body from loss of blood. Vitamin K is required for this process. Collection of molecules circulating continuously in the blood vessels and vitamin K regulates in clotting process of the blood by helping to transport calcium in the body.
Liver Disease:
Taking in aspirin or antibiotics for long period may affect the body by creating the liver bleeding. Disease like Jaundice might also affect the liver by bleeding. All these kinds of risks are reduced by vitamin K. Heavy menstrual bleeding in woman is treated with vitamin K.
Vitamin K in Bone Mechanism:
Taking vitamin K supplements strengthens the bone and this reduces the bone fractures. Postmenopausal woman may be attacked by osteoporosis. So they should have more vitamin K in their body. For heart disease certain medicines are given to decrease blood clotting which blocks vitamin K and results in vitamin K deficiency. In those cases they should take a diet with high vitamin K. For every one, it is very much important to take a diet with adequate vitamin K in it.