Lecture #14 - Vitamin K

Question 1

What are the functions of vitamin K?

Answer 1

Vitamin K is crucial for blood coagulation/clotting and plays a role in bone mineralization by activating osteocalcin. It serves as a coenzyme for proteins involved in blood coagulation and calcium metabolism.

Question 2

What are the naturally occurring forms of vitamin K and their sources?

Answer 2

The natural forms are phylloquinone (vitamin K1, found in green leafy vegetables) and menaquinones (vitamin K2, produced by gut bacteria and found in fermented foods and animal products).

Question 3

How does vitamin K contribute to blood clotting?

Answer 3

Vitamin K is essential for the activation of proteins involved in blood coagulation, facilitating the cascade of events that lead to clot formation and prevent excessive bleeding.

Question 4

What is the role of vitamin K in bone health?

Answer 4

Vitamin K activates osteocalcin, a protein that binds calcium to bones, promoting bone mineralization and contributing to overall bone health and strength.