Liver cancer is a serious but rare form of cancer. It is often not diagnosed until it has reached an advanced stage because the initial symptoms, which may include vomiting, tiredness and weight loss, are common to many diseases. If it is caught early enough, liver cancer is usually treated by surgery to remove the affected part of the liver. However, late-stage liver cancer is hard to treat, although chemotherapy may help prolong life. Vitamin K may play a role in the prevention or treatment of liver cancer, but there is little scientific evidence to show it has any effect on the cancer itself. Talk to your physician before taking vitamin K supplements.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Vitamin K is fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in blood clotting. It might also help improve bone density and may be involved in cell growth. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that vitamin K is sometimes used to help reduce the risk of bleeding in liver disease and might also play a role in the treatment of osteoporosis. An article published in 2011 in "Recent Results in Cancer Research" also notes that vitamin K may help prevent the development of cancer in patients with the liver disease hepatitis.
Research
The results of a laboratory study published in the September 2010 issue of "Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry" notes that a form of vitamin K, known as vitamin K-2, may help inhibit the growth of liver cancer cells. Research findings published in the December 2010 issue of the "International Journal of Cancer" also found that vitamin K may enhance the effects of sorafenib, a drug used to treat liver cancer.
Sources and Administration
Vitamin K is found in a variety of foods, including asparagus, beef liver, broccoli and dark green lettuce. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that there are three forms vitamin K, known as K-1, K-2 and K-3; the K-1 and K-3 forms are available as dietary supplements in tablet form. Guidance regarding a suitable dose to support liver cancer treatment is lacking. Seek advice from your doctor or oncologist.
Safety Considerations
Vitamin K has few side effects, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using a vitamin K supplement as it may cross the placenta or enter the breast milk. It might also interact with other medications, including antibiotics and the weight loss drug orlistat. It might also make anti-coagulants drugs such as warfarin less effective. Talk to your physician before using a vitamin K supplement alongside these medicines.
References
- NHS Choices: Liver Cancer
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin K
- "Recent Results in Cancer Research"; Chemoprevention of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chronic Hepatitis C; T.R. Morgan; 2011
- "Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry"; Induction of Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Smmc-7721 Cells by Vitamin K(2) is Associated With p53 and Independent of the Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway; L. Li, et al.; September 2010
- "International Journal of Cancer"; Vitamin K Enhancement of Sorafenib-Mediated HCC Cell Growth Inhibition in Vitro and in Vivo; G. Wei, et al.; December 2010
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