Vitamin K
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a group of fat-soluble vitamins that come in two forms. The main type is phylloquinone (K1), found in green leafy vegetables like collard greens, kale, and spinach. The other form is menaquinone (K2), which is available in certain animal food products and fermented foods. Menaquinones are also produced by bacteria in the human body.
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Vitamin K is needed to make various proteins that help in blood clotting and the building of bones. Prothrombin is a vitamin K-dependent protein directly involved in blood clotting. Osteocalcin is another protein that requires vitamin K for its activation. Osteocalcin helps calcium bind to the bones thus, promoting bone mineralization and strength. Vitamin K also helps to prevent calcification of heart arteries promoting heart health.Â
 Vitamin K is present throughout the body including the liver, brain, heart, pancreas, and bone. It is readily broken down and excreted in urine and stools. Unlike other fat-soluble vitamins, it rarely reaches toxic levels in the blood even during higher intake
What is the Vitamin K test used for?
This test measures the level of vitamin K in the blood. It is done in people suspected to have either deficiency or excess vitamin K. Deficiency of vitamin K results from poor diet, malabsorption, long-term antibiotics, blood thinning medications, and diseases that severely reduce fat absorption (this is because the body requires fat to absorb vitamin K). It is mainly used in patients with bleeding disorders
Symptoms of Vitamin K deficiency
Vitamin K deficiency exhibits the following symptoms
Easy bruising
BlooBlood in urine d in urine
Blood in stools
Heavy menstruation
Bleeding gums
Nose bleeds
Osteoporosis
Who should get tested?
People with conditions that severely reduce fat absorption are vulnerable to vitamin K deficiency. Some of the conditions with suspected vitamin K deficiency are
Excess bleeding
Liver disease
Pancreatic diseases
Poor diet
Malabsorption
Long term antibiotics
Consuming blood thinners
Preparation for Test
The patient needs to fast overnight before the test. The patient should inform the doctor if taking any over-the-counter medications. It is important not to take vitamin supplements or eat liver at least 24 hours before the test. A blood sample is collected by inserting a needle in the vein in the arm. The sample is further sent to the laboratory for analysis
Interpretation of Test Results
The test result will show whether you have a deficiency or excess vitamin K. The normal range for vitamin K in blood is 0.2-3.2 ng per milliliter. A lower-than-normal level range means that you are deficient and will need supplementation
FAQs
What medications does vitamin K interfere with?
Many medications interfere with vitamin K like fat substitute olestra, blood thinners, phenytoin, orlistat (a weight loss drug), and bile acid sequestrants. The patient should inform the doctor if taking any medications
How much vitamin K do we need daily?
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin K varies by age and gender. The RDA for adults is mentioned below:
·       Adult Men: 120 mg/day
Adult women: 90 mg/day
What are the rich sources of vitamin K?
Vitamin K is found in the following foods:
·       Green leafy vegetables: kale, spinach, turnip greens, collards, parsley, green leaf lettuce
·       Vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.
·       Fish, meat, liver, eggs, and cereals.
·       Fortified products
·       Fermented foods (natto, cheese)
Can too much vitamin K be harmful
Higher dose vitamin K supplements (over 1000mcg/day) are generally safe for most people but can interfere with blood thinning medications
What are the tests required to diagnose vitamin K deficiency?
Tests required to detect vitamin K deficiency include:
·       Vitamin K blood test: Measures vitamin K levels in blood.
·       Prothrombin time (PT): Evaluates blood clotting time.
·       International Normalized Ratio (INR): Used to monitor anticoagulant therapy.
Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT): Assesses clotting factors
Related tests
Tests At Lupin Diagnostics