Phytomenadione (Vitamin K)
Last updated
Last updated
Vegan sources of phytomenadione (K1) are abundant. In fact, the majority of vitamin K in all people, including meat eaters, comes from plants in the form of phytomenadione. Sources in order of amount of phytomenadione include: Collard greens, spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli, asparagus, kiwi, Chinese cabbage, blueberries, carrots, hazelnuts, grapes, tomatoes, olive oil, zucchini, mango, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and bread. "Spinach, collards, broccoli, iceberg lettuce, and plant oils are the major contributors of [phytomenadione] vitamin K in the diet of US adults and children." The body needs dietary intake of phytomenadione. All other forms of vitamin K can be made by the body from phytomenadione, so there are no recommendations to ensure them in your diet.
Vitamin K consists of three vitamers. The term for all vitamin K vitamers is naphthoquinones. They are as follows:
Phytomenadione (K1) - found in plants and is abundant in green leafy vegetables as it is required for photosynthesis. In animals, it performs all of the classic functions of vitamin K, and may be converted into menaquinone (K2). It is recommended to ensure dietary intake of phytomenadione as vitamin K is an essential nutrient and phytomenadione is the most bioactive form. Phytomenadione is also sometimes called phytonadione or phylloquinone. Phytomenadione refers to several different compounds with similar effects.
Menaquinone (K2) - is made by the body's gut bacteria by deriving from phytomenadione. It is the main storage form of vitamin K. There is no recommended dietary intake of menaquinone. Nonetheless, it can be found in fermented foods such as natto (the best source of menaquinone), sauerkraut, tempeh, and kombucha. Menaquinone refers to several different compounds with similar effects (MK-4 to MK-13).
Menadione (K3) - has vitamin K activity and is therefore sometimes used in animal feed. The body can convert Menadione into other forms of vitamin K, though it has bioactive properties on its own and makes up about 1-5% of circulating vitamin K in the body. Menadione refers to one specific compound, rather than a group of compounds as the other vitamin Ks do. There is no recommended dietary intake of menadione.
Phytomenadione Phytomenadione is on the World Health Organization's "Model List of Essential Medicines" Menaquinone [I will add info here later] Menadione Use in animal feed
Vitamin K is used by the body for coagulation and building bones.