-Vitamin K is the only fat soluble vitamin with

coenzyme function.It is required for the post

translational modification(maturation) of
blood clotting factors,essential for
coagulation( in German Koagulation,hence
the name K for this vitamin).
Forms of Vit.K
Vit.K1 Phylloquinone in plants
Vit.K2 Menaquinone from intestinal bacterial
flora.
For therapy synthetic derivative of Vit.K
Menadione is also available.
Distribution and Food sources of Vit.K.
There is an extensive synthesis of of Vitamin
K by the intestinal flora.

Liver
Green leafy vegetables
Broccoli
Peas
Green beans
Resistant to cooking losses
Limited vitamin K stored in the body
Recommended dietary allowance

90 ug/day for women
120 ug/day for men
RDA met by most
Excess vitamins A and E interferes with
vitamin K.
Maturation of blood clotting factors.
1.Formation of carboxyglutamate.
Vitamin K dependent carboxylation of
glutamic acid residues of Prothrombin and
blood clotting factors II,VII,IX and X.
These proteins are synthesized as inactive
precursor molecules.

2.Interaction of prothrombin with platelets
The Gla residues of prothrombin are good
chelators of positively charged calcium ions.
The prothrombin Ca++ complex binds to
phospholipids essential for blood clotting on
the surface of platelet.

Role of Carboxyglutamate residues in
OSTEOCALCIN.
15-20% Of the noncollagen protein in the
bone of most vertebrates.
Carboxyglutamate residues are resposible for
calcium binding properties of Osteocalcin.
Osteocalcin plys an important role in bone
remodeling so Vit.K may be important for
bone formation.
Vit.K and electron transport chain(ETC)
Vit.K is structurally related to ubiquinones,the
components of ETC.
Vit.K is believed to be involved in ETC and
oxidative phosphorylation.
Anticoagulants
Lessens vitamin K reactivation
Lessens blood clotting process
Heparin,bishydroxycoumarin etc.
Salicylates and dicumarol are antagonist to
vit.K
Antibiotics
Destroy intestinal bacteria
Inhibits vitamin K synthesis and absorption

Unusual
Antibiotics
Deficincy of vitamin K in newborns.
Sterile intestines
One fifth of the daily requirement from
human milk.
Intramuscular dose of Vitamin k as prophylaxis
against hemorhagic disease.
Toxicity unlikely, readily excreted
Hemolytic anemia and jaundice in infants due
to toxic effects on the membrane of red blood
cells.