Search

Vitamin K is one of the fat-soluble vitamins. It is essential for the formation of prothrombin; factors VII, IX, and X; and proteins C and S. Vitamin K also works with vitamin D in synthesizing bone protein, and regulating calcium levels (see monograph titled “Vitamin D.”) Vitamin K levels are not often requested, but vitamin K is often prescribed as a medication. Approximately one-half of the body's vitamin K is produced by intestinal bacteria; the other half is obtained from dietary sources. There are three forms of vitamin K: vitamin KSB1sb, or phylloquinone, which is found in foods; vitamin KSB2sb, or menaquinone, which is synthesized by intestinal bacteria; and vitamin KSB3sb, or menadione, which is the synthetic, water-soluble, pharmaceutical form of the vitamin. Vitamin KSB3sb is two to three times more potent than the naturally occurring forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]