Symmetry
Products with Vitamin K:
Calcium Coverage Caplets
Vitamin
K was found to be essential when
it’s role in the synthesis of
several blood coagulation factors
was determined. In fact, the "K"
in Vitamin K came from the Danish
word "koagulation," which means
"blood clotting". Vitamin K is
actually 3 different compounds,
all of which are fat soluble.
It is absorbed from the upper
small intestine with the help
of bile (or bile salts) and pancreatic
secretions, and then carried to
the liver.
Several
proteins involved in blood clotting
require Vitamin K. When there
isn’t enough K, blood takes longer
to clot, increasing the amount
of blood lost. Vitamin K is also
necessary for the synthesis of
a protein that may help regulate
blood calcium levels. Calcium,
usually associated with keeping
bones strong, is also necessary
for blood clotting.
Accumulating
evidence supports an active role
for Vitamin K in bone
health. High intakes of
Vitamin K are associated with
a lower risk of hip fracture
in women; and conversely,
low intakes of Vitamin K
are associated with low
bone mineral density and
increased risk of bone
fractures.
Vitamin
K has a key role in the synthesis
of at least two proteins involved
in calcium and bone metabolism.
One of these proteins has been
shown to be a strong inhibitor
of vascular calcification, thus
Vitamin K appears to have a role
in maintaining vascular health.
In
addition, Vitamin K
may influence bone metabolism
through its effect on urinary
calcium excretion or by
inhibiting the production of
bone resorbing agents.
Vitamin
K is made by bacteria, including
beneficial flora found in the
human GI tract. However, a newborn’s
gastrointestinal tract is typically
sterile for a few days after birth.
The production of Vitamin K and,
therefore, clotting factors, begins
by the fourth day of life, giving
babies their ability to clot blood.
To help the protect them, newborns
are typically given Vitamin K
injections shortly after birth.
People
who are at risk of having problems
related to abnormal blood clotting,
such as those with a history of
stroke or heart disease are often
put on anti-coagulation therapy.
These medications reduce blood
clotting by competing with Vitamin
K. Anyone on anticoagulant medicine
(blood thinners) should know that
the amount of Vitamin K in the
diet may affect how well the medications
work.
Deficiency
of Vitamin K is rare. Deficiency
is more common in sprue or celiac
disease (intestinal malabsorption
disorders), in colitis, in ileitis,
or after bowel surgery. Lack of
Vitamin K can result in problems
with blood clotting and increased
bleeding.
Food
Sources of Vitamin K
Vitamin
K is found in varied foods including
green leafy vegetables, meat and
dairy products. Little Vitamin
K is lost from foods with ordinary
cooking.
The
statements on this web page have
not been evaluated by the Food
and Drug Administration. Symmetry
products are not meant to diagnose,
treat, cure or prevent any disease.
In all matters related to your
health please contact a qualified,
licensed health practitioner.
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