Vitamin K3, also known as menadione, is an important vitamin that helps your body to form blood clots and keeps your bones strong.
But did you know that too much of this vitamin can be dangerous? Find out more about this vitamin and what you should know when consuming it in your diet below.
What is vitamin K3?
- Vitamin K3 is vitamin K that is used as a nutritional supplement. It helps blood clots and is commonly used to treat people with deficiencies in vitamin K.
- While it was once thought to be an effective treatment for leukemia, recent studies have shown it has little benefit for patients suffering from that disease.
- Some patients also use it to improve cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease, but more research needs to be done before doctors can recommend its use in those situations.
- If you are considering taking vitamin K3 supplements, make sure you talk with your doctor first so he or she can determine whether they are appropriate for you.
The difference between Vitamin K and Vitamin K3
- While most people are familiar with Vitamin K, they may not know much about its different forms. The three main types of vitamin K are phylloquinone (vitamin K1), menaquinone (vitamin K2), and menadione (vitamin K3).
- Phylloquinone is found in leafy green vegetables, whereas menaquinone and menadione can be found in fermented foods and dietary supplements.
- While many vitamins K have nutritional benefits, researchers aren’t sure whether all three perform identical functions in humans.
- Some evidence suggests that phylloquinone and menaquinone can aid in blood clotting, but more research is needed to determine whether these two work and whether synthetic sources of these vitamins.
Vitamin k deficiency
The deficiency of vitamin K may result from medical conditions such as Crohn’s disease, chronic pancreatitis, and cystic fibrosis, which all result in fat malabsorption.
Atrophic gastritis and celiac disease are also common causes of low vitamin K levels. Although rare, vitamin K deficiency can occur when a person has had surgery that removes part of their intestine.
It is also possible to have a deficiency if you have been taking blood thinners for a long time, especially warfarin (Coumadin).
This medication interferes with vitamin K absorption in your intestines and can lead to severe bleeding. People who undergo hemodialysis are at risk of developing a deficiency because their bodies cannot process vitamin K properly while they undergo treatment.
The importance of Vitamin K2 and Vitamin K3
With that being said, there are a couple of ways in which vitamin K2 has been beneficial. For example, vitamin K2 is important for bone health, since it plays a role in activating osteocalcin, which is a protein responsible for regulating bone density and preventing osteoporosis.
It’s also been suggested that vitamin K2 could help reduce calcification of arteries and blood vessels, thus helping to lower your risk of heart disease.
There have also been some studies looking at how vitamin K2 might help prevent cancer; however, more research needs to be done before any strong conclusions can be made regarding these benefits.
Health benefits of Vitamin K3
- Vitamin K3 is beneficial to your health. For example, it aids in blood clotting and works as an antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage.
- It also promotes bone health and strengthens bones because it helps your body absorb calcium more effectively.
- And unlike other vitamins, vitamin K3 has been proven to reduce heart disease risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure by helping your arteries become stronger, wider, and less stiff.
- When you take a nutritional supplement that contains vitamin K3 regularly over time, you are likely to enjoy many of these benefits.
How Vitamin K3 works
Our bodies need vitamin K3 in order to make blood-clotting proteins called factors. Clotting is an important part of normal, everyday functioning and our bodies naturally produce all we need.
However, a few medications interfere with these processes, and it is important that you talk to your doctor about whether vitamin K3 supplements are right for you.
They are not intended to be used as a substitute for medication or surgery and should not be taken by pregnant women or children under five years old without medical supervision. Always consult with your doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements.
Foods high in Vitamin K3
We may not process vitamin K3 properly on our own, but that doesn’t mean we can’t eat foods high in it. To get your recommended daily intake of vitamin K3, try snacking on liver pate or fish roe.
Yum! It may not taste good at first, but we promise you’ll get used to it. When eating food high in vitamin k3, you can slowly get acclimated to its strong flavor over time and will eventually enjoy it.
Just give yourself time! And don’t worry: although fish roe and liver pate are both examples of foods high in vitamin k3, neither is actually very common when compared to other foods high in vitamin k1 like spinach or kale.
Side effects of taking too much Vitamin K3
- Overdosing on vitamin K can be harmful. Symptoms of a vitamin K overdose include headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, and irregular heartbeats.
- If you have overdosed on vitamin K and are experiencing any symptoms, it is important to call your doctor or seek immediate medical attention.
- It may also be possible to treat a vitamin K overdose at home with things like antacids to help ease symptoms.
The right way to take Vitamin K3
Taking in enough vitamin K3 is important for good health, but it's hard to know how much you need and which supplements are right for you.
It’s always best to consult a medical professional before beginning any new regimen, but if that isn’t an option, there are some guidelines you can follow.
There are several forms of vitamin K supplements available, including tablets, capsules, syrup, and injections. Taking these types of vitamins will help improve your overall nutrition levels and ensure your body is getting enough nutrients.
But certain people should avoid taking large doses of Vitamin K supplements such as those with liver problems or hemophilia because they can worsen existing symptoms.
Does Vitamin K3 cause blood clots?
The short answer is yes. According to a study by Dr. Marius Verenikina and associates, menadione sodium bisulfite complex, or vitamin K3, may increase your risk of having blood clots.
The study found that patients with a history of blood clots who were given menadione sodium bisulfite complex had a higher rate of subsequent thrombosis compared to those who were given another supplement.
However, it should be noted that further research is needed to confirm these findings and that some patients are more at risk than others for developing blood clots, even when taking vitamin K3.
For example, people who smoke or have poor circulation or other medical conditions are at a greater risk of blood clots and cancer patients treated with chemotherapy.
medical advice
- Anyone taking vitamin K3 should always consult a doctor first. People who suffer from hemochromatosis, an iron disorder, should not take vitamin K3 as it may worsen their condition.
- This is because both vitamins are involved in blood clotting. Those suffering from liver damage may also have trouble with taking vitamin K3 because of how it’s processed in their bodies.
- As always, you must consult your physician before adding any supplements or new medications to your health routine. The symptoms of liver damage can include fatigue and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
- If you believe you are experiencing these symptoms, see a doctor immediately for a diagnosis and treatment options.
Conclusion
Your body uses vitamin K to help convert certain chemicals into substances that aid in clotting. Vitamin K is also important for bone health, but very high doses may lead to serious side effects.
Therefore, it’s important to get your vitamin K from diet and other supplements instead of over-the-counter medications. If you are on blood thinners or blood pressure medication, ask your doctor if it’s safe for you to take a supplement.