Scientific Name of Vitamin K

Explore the scientific name of Vitamin K, understand its significance, and learn about its various forms, benefits, and sources.
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3 min
21-June-2024

Vitamin K is a crucial nutrient that plays a significant role in our body's ability to heal and function properly. This article explores the scientific name of vitamin K, its different forms, and the importance of including it in our diet. Additionally, we will discuss how health insurance can support access to vitamin K through medical services and supplements.

What is Vitamin K?

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for various bodily functions, particularly in blood clotting and bone health. Its name, derived from the German word "Koagulation," underscores its vital role in helping the blood to clot. This vitamin also supports bone metabolism and may help protect against osteoporosis.

Vitamin K deficiency can result in excessive bleeding, often starting with gum or nose bleeds. Factors that may contribute to a deficiency include:

  • Health conditions that hinder vitamin K absorption, such as gallbladder or biliary disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and Crohn's disease
  • Liver disease
  • Use of blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin)
  • Prolonged hemodialysis
  • Severe burns

Read more: Scientific names of vitamins and their sources

What is the scientific name of vitamin K?

Vitamin K encompasses a group of compounds known as naphthoquinones. The main forms of Vitamin K include Vitamin K1, also known as phylloquinone, which is primarily found in leafy green vegetables, and Vitamin K2, or menaquinone, which is produced by bacteria in the human gut and found in fermented foods and animal products. Discussed are the primary forms of Vitamin K in detail:

Phylloquinone (Vitamin K1):

  • Scientific name: Phylloquinone or phytomenadione.
  • Sources: Mainly found in green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli.
  • Function: Primarily involved in blood clotting.

Menaquinones (Vitamin K2):

  • Scientific name: Menaquinones.
  • Sources: Produced by bacteria in the human gut and found in fermented foods and animal products.
  • Function: Contributes to bone health and cardiovascular wellness.

Menadione (Vitamin K3):

  • Scientific name: Menadione.
  • Sources: A synthetic form of Vitamin K used in some animal feeds and supplements.
  • Function: Often used in research and not typically found in human nutrition.

Read more: Types of nutrition

Vitamin K: Essential roles in the body

Vitamin K plays several critical roles in maintaining health and preventing diseases:

  • Blood clotting: Vitamin K is crucial for the synthesis of proteins required for blood clotting. Without it, wounds wouldn't heal properly, and even minor injuries could lead to severe bleeding.
  • Bone health: It helps in the regulation of bone metabolism. Vitamin K aids in the formation of osteocalcin, a protein that binds calcium in bones, thus maintaining bone strength.
  • Heart health: Vitamin K2, in particular, helps prevent calcification in arteries and veins, reducing the risk of heart disease.
  • Anti-inflammatory effects: Vitamin K has anti-inflammatory properties that can help in reducing chronic inflammation, which is a precursor to many diseases.

Read more: Vitamin K deficiency

What is the dosage of Vitamin K?

The recommended dosage of Vitamin K varies based on age, gender, and health status, typically ranging from 90 to 120 micrograms daily.

Age group

Recommended daily intake

Infants (0-6 months)

2.0 micrograms

Children (1-3 years)

30 micrograms

Adolescents (14-18 years)

75 micrograms

Adults (19+ years)

90-120 micrograms


How to get vitamin K for the body?

You can obtain Vitamin K through a balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli, which are high in Vitamin K1. For Vitamin K2, include fermented foods such as natto, sauerkraut, and certain animal products like cheese, egg yolks, and liver. Additionally, gut bacteria naturally produce small amounts of Vitamin K2, supporting overall intake.

Sources of Vitamin K

To ensure adequate intake of Vitamin K, include the following foods in your diet:

Vegetables:

  • Spinach, kale, and broccoli are rich sources of Vitamin K1.
  • Fermented foods like natto (a Japanese dish made from fermented soybeans) are excellent sources of Vitamin K2.

Animal Products:

  • Meat, liver, and eggs contain Vitamin K2.
  • Dairy products such as cheese, particularly those that are fermented, also provide a good amount of Vitamin K2.

Supplements:

  • Vitamin K supplements are available for those who may have difficulty getting enough from their diet, particularly K1 and K2.

Also, read: BMI calculator

What are the risks of taking excessive vitamin K?

Given below are the most common risks associated with taking excessive vitamin K:

  • Blood clotting issues: Excessive Vitamin K can lead to abnormal clotting, increasing the risk of blood clots.
  • Interactions with medications: High doses may interfere with blood-thinning medications like warfarin, reducing their effectiveness.
  • Toxicity: Although rare, extremely high doses may cause toxicity, leading to potential health complications.

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How can health insurance be helpful?

Health insurance plays a crucial role in ensuring access to vitamin K and other essential nutrients through various channels:

Coverage for medical services

1. Blood clotting disorders

Health insurance often covers treatments and medications for conditions like hemophilia or other clotting disorders, where vitamin K is a critical part of the management plan.

2. Bone health assessments

Regular screenings and tests, such as bone density scans, can be essential in detecting osteoporosis early. These are typically covered by insurance and can guide the need for vitamin K-rich diets or supplements.

3. Prescription and over-the-counter supplements

  • Prescribed vitamin K: For individuals with deficiencies or specific health conditions, doctors may prescribe vitamin K supplements. Insurance can often help cover the cost of these prescriptions.
  • Over-the-counter options: Many insurance plans include benefits that reduce the cost of over-the-counter supplements. This can be particularly helpful for maintaining adequate levels of vitamin K through non-prescription means.

4. Wellness and preventive care programs

  • Nutritional counseling: Some health insurance plans offer access to dietitians or nutritionists who can provide guidance on incorporating vitamin K into a balanced diet. These services can be invaluable for people with specific dietary needs or restrictions.
  • Preventive health programs: Many insurance providers support preventive health measures that include dietary advice, which can ensure you are getting enough vitamin K to support overall health.

Explore: Wellness benefits in health insurance

Vitamin K, with its various forms like Phylloquinone (K1) and Menaquinones (K2), is indispensable for maintaining good health, especially in terms of blood clotting and bone health. Understanding its sources and roles in the body can help in making informed dietary choices. Health insurance can be a supportive tool in accessing necessary medical care, supplements, and professional advice to ensure adequate Vitamin K intake.

Frequently asked questions

What is another name for vitamin K?

Another name for Vitamin K is ‘Koagulationsvitamin’ in German, reflecting its key role in blood clotting. Scientifically, it includes Phylloquinone (Vitamin K1) and Menaquinones (Vitamin K2), which are essential for coagulation and bone health, respectively.

What is the compound name for vitamin K?

The compound name for Vitamin K is ‘naphthoquinones’, which includes Phylloquinone (Vitamin K1) and Menaquinones (Vitamin K2). These forms are essential for blood clotting and bone health, with each having specific roles in the body's biological processes.

What is Vitamin K’s generic name?

Vitamin K refers to a group of compounds, with the generic names phylloquinone (Vitamin K1) and menaquinone (Vitamin K2). Both are essential for blood clotting and bone health.

How many days can I take Vitamin K?

Vitamin K can be taken daily as part of a balanced diet or supplement regimen. The duration depends on individual health needs, but it's generally safe for long-term use when following recommended dosages.

How much Vitamin K is too much per day?

For adults, excessive Vitamin K intake above 1,000 micrograms per day can pose risks, particularly for those on blood-thinning medications. It's best to adhere to recommended daily allowances to avoid potential health issues.

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