Vitamin K

What is it? 

Vitamin K is a vitamin which is found in vegetables liek brussels sprouts, broccoli and leafy vegetables. It is essential by the body for it's role in blood clotting. 

Benefits

There are ongoing research conducted to prove that it is effective for patients with inherited vitamin k clotting factors deficiency, prevent bleeding problems in newborns with vitamin k deficiency, treat bleeding problems for patients with low prothrombin (clotting factor) and reversing effects of warfarin overdose. 

More randomized controlled research studies need to be conducted to prove other proclaimed benefits.  

Possible side effects 

At normal dosing, Vitamin K1 and K2 is likely safe for most people including children, pregnant and lactating woman unless taken at very high doses. It is unsafe to take high doses of vitamin C of more than 2000 mg daily. 

Vitamin K might not help bleeding problems associated with severe liver disease. 

Drug-Drug Interactions 

Warfarin: Vitamin K counteracts the effects of warfarin and decreases its effectiveness hence it is the antidote for warfarin overdose. 

Dosage 

According to scientific research on Vitamin C dosing : 

• For bleeding disorders such as hypoprothrombinemia: 2.5-25 mg of vitamin K1 
• For antidote for warfarin overdose: Exact dosing of vitamin k is dependent on the INR value. 

The recommended adequate intake for patients of different age group are: 


Children 0-6 months : 2 micrograms/day

Children 7-12 months: 2.5 micrograms/day

Children 1-3 years old: 30 micrograms/day

Children 4-8 years old: 55 micrograms/day

Children 9-13 years old: 60 micrograms/day

Girls 14-18 years old: 75 micrograms/day

Women 19 and older: 90 micrograms/day

Pregnant and lactating women from age 19-50 : 90 micrograms/day

Pregnant and lactating women less than age 19 : 75 micrograms/day

Boys 14-18 years old : 75 micrograms/day

Men 19 and above: 120 micrograms/day