VITAMIN-K :

Introduction:

• Vitamin K is the only fat soluble vitamin with a specific coenzyme function.
• It is required for the production of Blood clotting factors and Essential for Coagulation.

Chemistry:

• Vitamin K1(phylloquinone) is present in plants.

• Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is Produced by the intestinal bacteria and also found in animals.
• Vitamin K3 (menadione) is a synthetic form.
• All the three vitamins (K1, K2, K3) are naphthoquinone derivatives.

Absorption:

• Vitamin K is taken in the diet or synthesized by the intestinal bacteria.

• Its absorption takes Place along with fat (chylomicrons) and is Dependent on bile salts.

Transport: Vitamin K is transported along with LDL .

Storage: Mainly in liver.

Bio-chemical function:

• The functions of vitamin K are concerned with Blood clotting process.

• It brings about the post -Translational (after protein biosynthesis in the Cell) modification of
certain blood clotting Factors.
• The clotting factors II (prothrombin), VII,IX and X are synthesized as inactive precursors
(zymogens) in the liver.
• Vitamin K acts as a Coenzyme for the carboxylation of glutamic acid residues present in the
proteins and this reaction Is catalysed by a carboxylase (microsomal).
• It is involved in the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin.

Recommended Dietary allowance:

The suggested RDA for an adult is 70-140 Pg/day.

Dietary Fibers:

• Cabbage, cauliflower, tomatoes, alfa alfa, Spinach and other green vegetables are good Sources.
• It is also present in egg yolk, meat, liver, Cheese and dairy products.

Deficiency Symtoms:

Blood coagulation is adversely affected. The blood clotting time is increased.

Hypervitaminosis:

• Vitamin K Produces hemolytic anaemia and jaundice, Particularly in infants.

• The toxic effect is due to Increased breakdown of RBC.

Reference: Sathyanarayana- 5 th edition

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