Vitamin K is a family of fat-soluble vitamins that activate proteins which helps blood clotting, wound healing and bone growth. The two main forms of Vitamin K found in our diet are Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone) and Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone). Vitamin K1 primarily comes from plant sources of leafy green vegetables. It makes up about 75-90% of all Vitamin K we consume. Vitamin K2 is found in fermented foods and animal products, and is also produced by gut bacteria. There are several subtypes of Vitamin K2, named by the length of their side chains, ranging from menaquinone MK-4 to MK-13.
Most people can obtain enough Vitamin K by eating a balanced diet, however in some individuals it is still possible to be deficient. People who take medications that block Vitamin K metabolism such as antibiotics, or those with conditions that cause malabsorption of food and nutrients are more prone to Vitamin K deficiency. Signs and symptoms of vitamin K deficiency include longer time for blood to clot, bleeding, haemorrhaging, and osteoporosis.
Vitamin K is available as oral preparations. For specific dosages, please refer to specific product labels.
Healthy children and adults do not need supplements as they can obtain enough from a normal diet. However, people with Vitamin K deficiency may take Vitamin K supplements. Adults need approximately 1 mcg per body weight of Vitamin K each day. The recommended adequate intake for vitamin K is based only on vitamin K1 and is set at 90 mcg daily for adult women and 120 mcg daily for adult men.
Vitamin K is generally safe to use. However, some people may experience stomach discomfort or diarrhoea.
Patients allergic to any component of the formulation.
Common dosing schedule:
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Vitamin K may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Vitamin K is an over-the-counter medicine and can be purchased without a prescription from any retail outlet in Hong Kong. This includes grocery stores, convenience stores, medicine shops, and pharmacies. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Vitamin K in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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