It is recycled by the body but not in significant amounts, and therefore deficiencies are common. Unlike other fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, and E), the body does not store vitamin K. Interestingly, the body is able to convert vitamin K 1 to the more active K 2. Although these vitamins share a major physiological role, each has other distinct physiological properties. All members of the vitamin K group share a methylated naphthoquinone ring structure and vary in the aliphatic side chain attached at the 3-position. There are three different types of vitamin K: K 1, which is found in plants K 2, which is made by bacteria or fermentation and K 3, which is synthetic and, because of the generation of free radicals, is considered toxic. 2 Vitamin K has now been found to have a role in putting calcium in the right places in the body, such as in the bones and blood, and preventing pathologic calcification of the vessels and soft tissues. The K vitamins have been underrated and misunderstood until very recently by both the scientific community and the general public.Īlthough the effect of magnesium and vitamin D 3 on calcium metabolism was previously known, the importance of vitamin K in regulating the healthy function of calcium has only recently been recognized. 1 Unfortunately, many people are not aware of the health benefits of vitamin K. This vitamin was discovered in the 1920s and was called “K” for koagulation due to its role in blood coagulation. Other new and exciting applications for this vitamin have been found in treating Alzheimer’s disease, skin aging, and a variety of cancers. Research over the last few decades has shown a new and emerging role for this vitamin in treating osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin K refers to a group of fat-soluble vitamins with similar chemical structures that are needed for blood coagulation.
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