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Why Give Vitamin K

Mar 6, 2011 | By ShamalaPulugurtha

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in blood clotting. Along with dietary sources such as cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, soybeans and cereals, the bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract also supply vitamin K to the body. Synthetic and natural vitamin K supplements are also available at most pharmacies without any prescription. The supplements are generally safe to use, although oxidative stress and liver damage may sometimes occur. It is best to talk to doctor before using these supplements.

Bleeding

Vitamin K is used to treat excessive bleeding associated with liver disease, prolonged antibiotic therapy and vitamin K malabsorption syndrome. Newborns in most developed nations, including the United States, receive vitamin K injections immediately after birth as they do not get enough of it from breast milk. This supplementation helps prevent potentially fatal brain hemorrhage in newborns until their bodies acquire sufficient intestinal bacteria that produce vitamin K. Oral vitamin K supplementation may be necessary in infants with liver and biliary tract diseases and although, some early studies suggested that vitamin K injections can lead to childhood leukemia, the Linus Pauling Institute states that there is no evidence to stop giving vitamin K injections to newborns.

Osteoporosis

Vitamin K increases bone mineral density and promotes the formation of bones. Its deficiency is often associated with increased risk of osteoporosis. However, vitamin K can improve bone health and reduce the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women. The American Medical Association has, therefore, increased the daily dietary intake of vitamin K from 90 mg to 120 mg for women.

Cardiovascular Diseases

A study published in the September 2009 edition of the journal "Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases" revealed that increased intake of certain subtypes of vitamin K can protect against heart disease by preventing the calcification of the blood vessels. However, there is no scientific data available to determine the exact dose of vitamin K required to prevent heart disease; it is best to talk to doctor before taking these supplements.

Cancer

The American Cancer Society states that vitamin K deficiency is associated with increased risk of certain types of cancers such as prostate cancer. It may also prevent the recurrence of liver cancer after surgery. Reuters reported in April 2009 that vitamin K supplements may enhance the activity of cancer drugs, such as sorafenib, thus reducing the required dosage and toxic side effects associated with the drug.

References

Article reviewed by Mia Paul Last updated on: Mar 6, 2011

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