Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in blood clotting. Dietary sources of vitamin K include beef liver, broccoli, spinach and kale. Vitamin K is available in three forms: Vitamin K1 is also called phylloquinone. Vitamin K2 is menaquinone and vitamin K3 is menadione. Although generally considered safe, vitamin K3 has been known to cause jaundice, the Linus Pauling Institute states.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a condition characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes. This yellowing is primarily due to the accumulation of bilirubin, the yellowish pigment found in bile. Varied conditions, such as viral hepatitis and liver disease, can cause jaundice. However, about 1 out of 10 babies that are breastfed experience jaundice within the first week of life, according to a 2008 article in the New York Times Health Guide. Substances in breast milk, such as vitamin K, which impair the baby's liver's capacity to process bilirubin, cause this form of jaundice . Nursing mothers who are taking vitamin K supplements should consult a doctor to determine how to reduce the risk of jaundice in their newborns.
Vitamin K and Jaundice
The toxicity you experience from vitamin K is likely from vitamin K3. The Linus Pauling Institute notes that vitamin K3 injections have been known to cause liver toxicity resulting in jaundice. It is for this reason that use of vitamin K3 as a means of treating vitamin K deficiency has been discontinued.
Vitamin K Dose
The recommended dose of vitamin K for newborns until 12 months of age is 2 to 2.5 micrograms daily. This dose increases to 30 micrograms for ages 1 to 3. Children ages 4 to 8 should take about 55 micrograms of vitamin K daily. Between the ages of 9 to 18, the recommended dose is about 60 to 75 micrograms of vitamin K. Adult males ages 19 and up should take 120 micrograms of vitamin K daily, while adult females need about 90 micrograms. There is no established tolerable upper limit for vitamin K. Always consult your doctor prior to taking vitamin K supplements to lower your risk of adverse reactions.
Vitamin K and the Liver
Vitamin K has been known to cause enlarged liver, MayoClinic.com notes. Liver problems could possibly lead to jaundice. However, liver swelling or inflammation is a rare adverse reaction of vitamin K use. If you are taking in a large quantity of vitamin K, your doctor may advise regular liver tests to ensure that the vitamin is not harming your liver.
References
- Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin K; Jane Higdon; May 2004
- MayoClinic.com; Vitamin K (Oral Route, Parenteral Route); May 2011
- MedlinePlus; Jaundice-Associated Conditions; David C. Dugdale; April 2009
- New York Times Health Guide; Jaundice; Neil K. Kaneshiro; May 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin K; Steven D. Ehrlich; June 2009
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