Vitamin K: Health Benefits
Food Supplements > > Vitamin K: Health Benefits
Vitamin K is used to treat blood disorders that result in the diminished ability of blood coagulation, and when the body becomes deficient, a food supplement is required to replenish the natural supply. Certain anticoagulant drugs may also be responsible for the depletion of Vitamin K, and the use of this vitamin doesn’t interrupt the anticoagulant effects of Heparin.
Deficiency of this vitamin is fairly uncommon, since it’s produced by a certain type of bacteria within the intestine. Absorption of the vitamin may become a problem, however, if the bile ducts are obstructed in any way, since bile salts play a major part in the absorption of Vitamin K. In cases such as this, a food supplement may be prescribed.
Unborn children may be at risk for Vitamin K deficiency, since inadequate amounts of the vitamin may not pass between mother and child during gestation. This is generally addressed through a food supplement in the form of an injection, given by the physician upon the birth of the child. Since newborns have no bacteria in their intestinal tract at birth, this is a necessity in cases of possible depletion.
For those who require their nutrition to be given to them by injection, rather than orally, food supplements via intramuscular injections are given to prevent Vitamin K deficiency.
In the case of oral food supplements, Vitamin K must be taken every six to twelve hours, in order to maintain the necessary level for good health. Those who are dependent upon injections will need a dose every one to two hours, and patients who are in need of intramuscular injections will need to receive a dose every 8 to 24 hours.
When relying on Vitamin K in the form of a food supplement, bottles or containers should be kept in a cool environment, out of direct sunlight. For food supplements in the form of injections, you’ll need to take care that the medication doesn’t freeze. It’s important not to double the dose if one is missed, and be sure not to discontinue use unless your physician has been consulted.
Vitamin K food supplements are safe and cause no known adverse effects when taken at the recommended dosage. Currently, no side effects are known to affect senior citizens, but newborns who receive the food supplement as an injection may be at risk for anemia and liver complications.
Great care must be taken not to administer a dose that’s too high. If that should be the case, the anticoagulant properties in the blood will be interrupted, which could cause severe side effects. When taking Vitamin K as a food supplement, always take the least amount that’s needed to be effective. Research is still being done on exact dosage amounts for the greatest benefit to be received through the Vitamin K food supplement.
Drug Interactions
There are certain drugs that can upset the ability of the body to absorb Vitamin K and must be addressed by the attending physician before being administered. Those drugs include sucralfate, antacids and antibiotics. Conversely, Vitamin K can interrupt the uses of salicylates and anticoagulants. The best policy is to consult with your physician before taking Vitamin K food supplements when you’re currently being treated with either OTC ( over the counter) or prescription drugs.