Vitamin K (Phylloquinone + Menaquinone)
Vitamin K (Phylloquinone + Menaquinone)
About
About
Vitamin K is a vitamin found in leafy green vegetables, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. The name vitamin K comes from the German word "Koagulationsvitamin."
Several forms of vitamin K are used around the world as medicine. Vitamin K1 (phytonadione) and vitamin K2 (menaquinone) are available in North America. Vitamin K1 is generally the preferred form of vitamin K because it is less toxic, works faster, is stronger, and works better for certain conditions.
Vitamin K is most commonly used for blood clotting problems. For example, vitamin K is used to reverse the effects of "blood thinning" medications when too much is given. It is also used to prevent clotting problems in newborns who don't have enough vitamin K. Vitamin K is also given to treat and prevent vitamin K deficiency, a condition in which the body doesn't have enough vitamin K.
An increased understanding of the role of vitamin K in the body beyond blood clotting led some researchers to suggest that the recommended amounts for dietary intake of vitamin K be increased. In 2001, the National Institute of Medicine Food and Nutrition Board increased their recommended amounts of vitamin K slightly, but refused to make larger increases. They explained there wasn't enough scientific evidence to make larger increases in the recommended amount of vitamin K.
How does it work?
Vitamin K is an essential vitamin that is needed by the body for blood clotting, bone building, and other important processes.
Traditionally used for
Traditionally used for
Preventing bleeding problems in newborns with low levels of vitamin K (hemorrhagic disease).
Treating and preventing bleeding problems in people with low levels of the blood clotting protein prothrombin.
An inherited bleeding disorder called vitamin K-dependent clotting factors deficiency (VKCFD).
Reversing the effects of too much warfarin used to prevent blood clotting.
Weak bones (osteoporosis).
Dosage
Dosage
Adults
By Mouth:
For osteoporosis: The MK-4 form of vitamin K2 has been taken in doses of 45 mg daily. Also, vitamin K1 has been taken in doses of 1-10 mg daily.
For an inherited bleeding disorder called vitamin K-dependent clotting factors deficiency: 10 mg of vitamin K has been taken 2-3 times weekly.
For reversing the effects of warfarin: A single dose of 1-5 mg is typically used to reverse the effects of taking too much warfarin; however, the exact dose needed is determined by a lab test called the INR. Daily doses of 100-200 micrograms have been used for people taking warfarin long-term who have unstable blood clotting.
With a Needle:
For an inherited bleeding disorder called vitamin K-dependent clotting factors deficiency: 10 mg of vitamin K has been injected into the vein. How often these injections are given is determined by a lab test called the INR.
For reversing the effects of warfarin: A single dose of 0.5-3 mg is typically used; however, the exact dose needed is determined by a lab test called the INR.
Children
By Mouth:
For preventing bleeding problems in newborns with low levels of vitamin K (hemorrhagic disease): 1-2 mg of vitamin K1 has been given in three doses over 8 weeks. Also single doses containing 1 mg of vitamin K1, 5 mg of vitamin K2, or 1-2 mg of vitamin K3 have been used.
With a Needle:
For preventing bleeding problems in newborns with low levels of vitamin K (hemorrhagic disease): 1 mg of vitamin K1 has been given as a shot into the muscle.
Possible Side Effects
Possible Side Effects
The two forms of vitamin K (vitamin K1 and vitamin K2) are SAFE for most people when taken by mouth or injected into the vein appropriately. Most people do not experience any side effects when taking vitamin K in the recommended amount each day. However, some people may have an upset stomach or diarrhea.
Vitamin K1 is SAFE for most people when applied as a cream that contains 0.1% vitamin K1.
Special Precautions & Warnings
Special Precautions & Warnings
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: When taken in the recommended amount each day, vitamin K is considered SAFE for pregnant and breast-feeding women. Don't use higher amounts without the advice of your healthcare professional.
Children: The form of vitamin K known as vitamin K1 is SAFE for children when taken by mouth or injected into the body appropriately.
Diabetes: The form of vitamin K known as vitamin K1 might lower blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes and take vitamin K1, monitor your blood sugar levels closely.
Kidney disease: Too much vitamin K can be harmful if you are receiving dialysis treatments due to kidney disease.
Liver disease: Vitamin K is not effective for treating clotting problems caused by severe liver disease. In fact, high doses of vitamin K can make clotting problems worse in these people.
Reduced bile secretion: People with decreased bile secretion who are taking vitamin K might need to take supplemental bile salts along with vitamin K to ensure vitamin K absorption.