Vitamin K
(menadione; phylloquinone; menaquinone)

DESCRIPTION/FUNCTION

• Vitamin K is classified as a fat-soluble vitamin. It aids in production of prothrombin, a compound required for normal clotting of blood.

DRI (RDA or AI for Adults)

• Males: 120 mcg.
• Females: 90 mcg.

MAJOR SOURCES

• K1: Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, Swiss chard, spinach, looseleaf lettuce, carrots, green beans, asparagus, eggs, strawberry, avocado, peapods.
• K2: meat and cheese.
• K2 can also be synthesized in the intestinal tract.

MAINTENANCE/THERAPEUTIC RANGE

• 50 mcg to 1,000 mcg.

POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

• Osteoporosis

COMMENTS

• Vitamin K has some antioxidant activity.

CAUTIONS

• Consult with your health practitioner if you are taking blood thinning drugs. Menadione, the synthetic form, is somewhat toxic in large amounts.