Named as phytomenadione or phylloquinone, vitamin K is very significant to blood coagulation. This vitamin is also considered as hydrophobic and is important to a certain process involving proteins known as posttranslational modification.
In order to make sure that people get the recommended amount of this vitamin, it is necessary that they have ideas about the source of this vitamin.
Meanwhile, to encourage individuals to get the recommended amount of the vitamin, it is better that they understand the special roles played by this vitamin in treating some diseases or preventing the occurrence of some deficiencies.
Here in this article:
Special Functions of the Vitamin
Vitamin K has special functions that are very significant to some major physiological processes.
Aside from its important role in blood coagulation, this vitamin is also necessary for osteocalcin, more popularly known as bone metabolism. Additionally, the vitamin is significant to vascular biology.
Sources of the Vitamin
For individuals who want to get the recommended amount of vitamin K, it is important that they know its sources. For instance, green leafy vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and brussels sprouts are good sources of vitamin K.
In addition, people can also get vitamin some herbs like parsley and fruits like kiwi and avocado. Moreover, individuals can also get this vitamin from soybean and vegetable oils.
Deficiency in This Vitamin
Vitamin K deficiency has several negative effects on human physiology. Some of the manifestations of this medical condition are stomachaches, cartilage calcification, and bone malformation.
In the worst cases, deficiency in this vitamin can cause uncontrolled bleeding. Furthermore, the condition can also cause calcium deposition in arterial walls.
Drugs That Can Affect the Functionality of the Vitamin
It is important that individuals know the drugs that can affect the functionality of vitamin K. Based on researches, coumarin, and warfarin drugs have the capacity to hinder vitamin K epoxide reductase.
This condition is very risky since people can experience problems with blood clotting if the drugs affect the functionality of the vitamin.
Bacteria That Affect the Functionality of the Vitamin
Aside from medicines that have negative effects on vitamin K, some bacteria also affect the functionality of this vitamin.
One kind of bacteria that has the capability to synthesize this vitamin is Escherichia coli. This kind of bacteria can cause aerobic and anaerobic respiration processes that can surely hinder the functionality of the vitamin.
Vitamin K is very helpful to enhance the medical conditions of individuals. By learning the good sources of the vitamin, people can make sure that they get the appropriate or recommended amount of vitamin them.
Furthermore, by knowing the factors that can affect the functionality of this vitamin, everyone can surely maximize the benefits that they can get from vitamin K.
