Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone) & K2 (Menaquinone)

 Function

    Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin made up of 25 percent Phylloquinone (K1), which is derived from dietary sources. Vitamin K1 is important for maintaining bone density and coagulation of the blood. Important to injury and wound healing, K1 is key to the mineralization of bone.

    The remaining 75 percent is made up of Menaquinone (K2), a small portion of which is converted from K1 into K2 by bacteria in the colon (large intestine), the balance is derived from food sources. Vitamin K2 is an immune system booster, it protects cells against oxidative damage, regulates blood sugar levels and the calcification of soft tissues, and has been demonstrated to promote heart health.

May Require Supplementation

    Oral K1 drops are recommended for infants to thwart possible Vitamin K1 deficiency bleeding (VKDB) a condition formerly known as "classic hemorrhagic disease of the newborn." This can occur up to 12 weeks in exclusively breast-feed infants due to the low Vitamin K1 content of breastmilk or in infants with malabsorption issues or where the newborn may not have a fully functional Vitamin K cycle. Infants whose mothers take anticonvulsant medication should also be supplemented.

    Those with liver damage/disease, fat malabsorption and other gastrointestinal disorders including IBS, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, and short bowel syndrome may not absorb Vitamin K properly and should be considered for supplementation.

    Antibiotics eliminate K2-producing bacteria in the intestines. Additionally, cephalosporin antibiotics may also inhibit the action of Vitamin K throughout the body. Bile acid sequestrants, such as cholestyramine and colestipol, reduce the absorption of Vitamin K and other fat- soluble vitamins as well as the intended effect of reducing cholesterol. When used in conjunction with warfarin (a blood thinner) blood clotting ability may be delayed. Warfarin and Other anticoagulant medications antagonize the activity of Vitamin K, depleting its ability to clot blood.

    It is important to maintain a consistent intake of Vitamin K from food and supplements because sudden changes can increase or decrease the blood’s ability to clot effectively. Vitamin K is also damaged by salicylates (aspirin) and barbiturates.

Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiency

• Bleeding Gums, Nose Bleeds

• Easily Bruises

• Anemia

• Increased Menstrual Bleeding

Food Sources

High K1, Low K2 – Dark green leafy vegetables, basil, scallions, endive, olive oil,

Low K1, High K2 – Meat, liver, poultry, eggs, cheese, and butter

Toxicity and/or Side Effects

Vitamin K has no reported toxicity.