Vitamin K

Other names: Vitamin K1, Vitamin K2, Vitamin K3, Phyloquinone, Menaquinone, Menadione, 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, Phytonadione

Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)

Vitamin K is an essential vitamin that plays a key role in the blood clotting process, it is also essential for proper bone mineralization and maintaining good blood vessel health. Its deficiency can lead to bleeding problems and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin K occurs naturally in three forms - K1, K2 and K3. Phyloquinone, also known as vitamin K1, is the main dietary source and is found mainly in leafy vegetables. Menaquinone, also known as vitamin K2, is produced in the intestines and is found in foods such as cheese, cottage cheese and fermented soy products. Vitamin K3, or menadione, is a synthetic form of the vitamin that is often used in dietary supplements and animal feed.

In addition to its use in dietary supplements and animal feed, menadione is also found in some drugs used to treat coagulopathy, a blood clotting disorder. 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone is another name for menadione. Phytonadione is the name for vitamin K1, which is used primarily in the pharmaceutical industry in the manufacture of drugs to control blood clotting. Vitamin K1 and K2 are also used in the cosmetics industry, where they are added primarily to creams designed to reduce wrinkles and dark circles under the eyes, as they promote skin elasticity and firmness. However, their positive properties can also be used in body lotions and lip balms.