One of the main importance of vitamin K helps with blood clotting, it is also called coagulation vitamin or antihemorrhagic factor.
In 1929, a Danish investigator, Henrik Dam discovered that the chickens fed on an artificial diet suffered a haemorrhage due to prolonged periods of blood clotting. Later in 1934, he coined the term Vitamin K (k stands for Coagulation in Danish) for the vital compound that cured this condition.
Characteristics of Vitamin K
Vit K exists in two forms- Vit K1 and Vit K2 found in plants and animals, respectively.
Vit K1 is found in alfalfa, cabbage, spinach, etc.
Vit K2 is found in putrefied fish meal and intestinal bacteria.
Both types of Vit K are derivatives of quinones.
They differ in the side chain of Carbon 3 of naphthoquinone ring- Phytol radical in Vit K1 and farnesyl pyrophosphate in Vit K2.
Vit K1 also has 4 units of isoprene in its side chain whereas Vit K2 has 6 units of isoprene with a double bond in the side chain.
Properties of Vitamin K
Vitamin K1 appears as a yellow viscous oil while Vit K2 has the same color but is crystalline in form.
Both are sensitive to light and must be stored in the dark to avoid spoilage.
Vulnerable to irradiation, alkalies, acids and oxidizing agents.
Metabolism of Vitamin K
Vitamin K is essential for the formation of prothrombin, the blood plasma protein required for blood clotting.
When humans consume Vit K1 found in plants, the intestinal bacteria convert it into Vit K2 for storage.
The body loses its power to clot the blood in the absence of this vitamin.
Infants may develop haemorrhage due to its deficiency. It could be prevented by taking this vitamin during pregnancy.
A deficiency of vitamin K could also cause lower fat absorption in the body and excess fat or lipid excretion.
Importance of Vitamin K
Prevent fractures due to osteoporosis and osteopenia.
Could prevent liver cancer and reduce fatality due to liver cirrhosis.
Reduce vascular calcifications.
Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
May improve insulin sensitivity and increase glucose tolerance.
Asmar, Margueritta & Naoum, Joseph & Arbid, Elias. (2014). Vitamin K Dependent Proteins and the Role of Vitamin K2 in the Modulation of Vascular Calcification: A Review. Oman Medical Journal. 29. 172-177. 10.5001/omj.2014.44.
DiNicolantonio, J. J., & Bhutani, J. (2015). The health benefits of vitamin K. Open Heart, 2(1), e000300. https://doi.org/10.1136/openhrt-2015-000300