Vitamin K

Question 1

What are the sources of Vitamin K?

Answer 1

•green leafy veg
-eggs
-milk
-liver

Can be synthesised by bacterial action in the small intestine

Question 2

What are the functions of Vitamin K?

Answer 2

-Needed to help regulate blood clotting
-10 clotting factors needed for blood clotting- 4 depend of Vitamin K
-Component of prothrombin- coagulation protein in blood
-critical nutrient- needed for good bone health- those deficient- greater risk of bone fracture
-needed to maintain levels of MGP (matrix gla protein)- prevents calcification of arteries (hardening)

Question 3

What can an excess of Vitamin K lead to?

Answer 3

not a problem

Question 4

What can a deficiency in Vitamin K lead to?

Answer 4

-not rarely seen after few months old
-newborns- prone to HAEMORRHAGIC DISEASE- abnormal bleeding- given injection in first few months
-Mild- prolonged bleeding
-Severe- blood won’t clot- fatal
-Symptoms- easy bruising and bleeding from mouth

Question 5

BIOAVAILABILITY

Answer 5

-Diseases/ surgical removal of small intestine- affect absorption of nutrients-malabsorption syndrome
-fat soluble- require pancreatic and biliary enzymes along with dietary fats- enable absorption- LIVER DISEASE, pancreatic disease/ gall bladder disorder- decrease Vitamin K absorption