VITAMIN K IN ENGLISH

                                             

                                       VITAMIN K IN ENGLISH

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VITAMIN K-

Ø  Vitamins are organic compounds and  categorized as essential nutrients. They are required by the body in very small amounts, that’s why hey fall in the category of micronutrients. Vitamins do not yield energy but enable the body to use other nutrients. Vitamins are also known as protective foods.

Ø  Vitamins are divided into two groups :

Ø  fat soluble vitamins-  vitamins A, D, E and K are soluble in fats so they are called as fat soluble vitamins

Ø  water soluble vitamins- vitamins of the complex and vitamin C are soluble in water so they are called as water soluble vitamins

Ø  Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin. In Human being it is found in two forms-

Ø  Vitamin K1   

Ø  Vitamin K2

FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN K-

Ø  The main function of vitamin K is to stimulate the production and/ or the release of certain coagulation factors specially prothrombin.

Ø   Vitamin K plays a key role in helping the blood clot and preventing excessive bleeding.  

Ø  Vitamin K is also used to counteract an overdose of the blood thinner Coumadin.

SOURCE OF VITAMIN K-

Ø  Vitamin K1 is found mainly in fresh green vegetables and in some fruits.

Ø  Cow's milk is also a good source (60 mcg/L) of vitamin K1.

Ø  Vitamin K2 is synthesized by the intestinal bacteria, which usually provides an adequate supply in man.

DEFICIENCY OF VITAMIN K-

Ø  Normally deficiency of vitamin K do not occur as it is also produced by good intestinal bacteria but  in case of long term use of antibiotics these bacteria are destroyed and vitamin K deficiency may occur.

Ø  In vitamin K deficiency, the prothrombin content of blood is markedly decreased and the blood clotting time is considerably prolonged and uncontrolled bleeding may occur.

Ø  Newborn infants may have deficiency of vitamin K due to minimal stores of prothrombin at birth and lack of  good intestinal flora.

Ø  Soon after birth, all infants or those at increased risk should receive a single intramuscular dose of a  0.5 mg of vitamin K1 as a prophylaxis.