Scientific Name of Vitamin K

In summary

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that supports normal blood clotting and contributes to bone health. The main forms include vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K2 (menaquinones), which are obtained from different dietary sources.

Key takeaways

• Vitamin K supports normal blood clotting.
• It contributes to maintaining healthy bones.
• Vitamin K1 is found mainly in green leafy vegetables.
• Vitamin K2 includes several menaquinone forms found in certain animal and fermented foods.
• A balanced diet can provide vitamin K as part of daily nutritional intake.

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Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin belonging to the naphthoquinone compound class. It is essential for normal blood clotting and also contributes to bone metabolism. The name “vitamin K” comes from the Danish word “koagulation”, meaning coagulation or blood clotting. Vitamin K occurs mainly as vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), found predominantly in green leafy vegetables, and vitamin K2 (menaquinones), which includes several forms. Adequate vitamin K is required for the activation of specific proteins involved in blood coagulation and other physiological processes.

Vitamin K refers to a family of fat-soluble compounds with a common 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone structure. The two naturally occurring forms are phylloquinone (vitamin K1) and menaquinones (vitamin K2). K1 is found mainly in green leafy vegetables, while K2 includes several menaquinones, such as MK-4 and MK-7. These forms share vitamin K activity and support the activation of proteins involved in blood clotting and other physiological processes.

What is phylloquinone (vitamin K1)?

Phylloquinone, or vitamin K1, is the primary dietary form of vitamin K. It is synthesised by plants and is found predominantly in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale. Phylloquinone is also involved in photosynthesis, where it functions within plant photosynthetic systems. In humans, it contributes to the activation of vitamin K-dependent proteins involved in blood clotting and other physiological processes.

What is menaquinone (vitamin K2)?

Menaquinones are a group of vitamin K compounds collectively known as vitamin K2. They include several forms, designated MK-4 through MK-13 according to their side-chain structure. MK-4 and MK-7 are among the most studied forms. Several menaquinones are produced by bacteria, including bacteria involved in food fermentation and those in the intestinal tract, while MK-4 can be formed in animal and human tissues.

What is menadione (vitamin K3)?

Menadione, sometimes called vitamin K3, is a synthetic vitamin K analogue rather than a naturally occurring dietary form. It is no longer used in human dietary supplements or fortified foods because of safety concerns. Menadione-related compounds are used in animal nutrition, including as regulated sources of vitamin K activity in poultry and swine feed.

Vitamin K is required for the activation of several proteins involved in blood clotting, bone metabolism, and vascular biology.

The recommended daily intake of vitamin K varies by age and life stage, with adults requiring 90–120 micrograms per day. Infants and children require lower amounts, while pregnancy and lactation have specific requirements. The table below outlines the recommended vitamin K intake by age group.

You can get vitamin K through a varied diet containing green leafy vegetables, fermented foods, and selected animal products. Green vegetables provide vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), while fermented foods and some animal foods provide vitamin K2 (menaquinones).

oods rich in vitamin K include green leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, fermented foods, and selected animal products. Green vegetables primarily provide vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), while fermented foods and some animal products provide vitamin K2 (menaquinones). The amount varies by food and serving size.

A varied diet can provide vitamin K through both plant and animal food sources. Supplements should be discussed with a healthcare professional, particularly if you take medicines that affect blood clotting.

No formal tolerable upper intake level (UL) has been established for vitamin K because available evidence indicates a low potential for toxicity. This applies to the dietary reference framework used in the United States; European and Japanese authorities also have not established a formal UL. However, vitamin K can interact with anticoagulants such as warfarin. Sudden increases or decreases in vitamin K intake can alter warfarin's effect and affect blood-clotting control. People taking warfarin should maintain a consistent vitamin K intake and discuss supplements with their healthcare professional.

Vitamin K is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that supports normal blood clotting, bone metabolism, and vascular health. A balanced diet containing green leafy vegetables, fermented foods, and other vitamin K sources can help meet daily nutritional needs. Understanding its dietary sources, recommended intake, and potential interactions with anticoagulants can help you make informed choices about vitamin K intake. Alongside a nutritious diet, health insurance can provide financial support for unexpected healthcare expenses. Apply now to explore health insurance coverage.