Even at the beginning of the last century, doctors established the undoubted benefits of vitamins and minerals for our he alth. But in order for these substances not to harm, a strict balance of their content in the body must be observed. Both deficiency and excess of vitamins can lead to negative consequences, sometimes very serious. Therefore, taking any dietary supplements can be started only after consulting a doctor.
Main Functions of Vitamin K1
For good he alth, it is necessary to provide the body with various trace elements. One of them is vitamin K1. It is not as well known as ascorbic acid or tocopherol acetate, but its importance to he alth cannot be overestimated. In addition, it must be remembered that the body does not synthesize vitamin K1 on its own. The formula of this trace element is such that it can only be found in foods and nutritional supplements.
Vitamin K1 was first isolated in the 1920s. A scientist from Denmark, Henrik Dam, after conducting a series of laboratory studies, found that blood is bettercoagulates under the influence of some substance received from the outside. Later, he succeeded in deriving his formula. It was named konakion, vitamin K1, after the first letter of the phrase koagulations vitamin. What is the translation of this concept? "Vitamin that promotes blood clotting."
This is one of the most important functions of the trace element. After all, it is blood coagulation that ensures the rapid process of wound healing. This factor is also very important in medical operations. In addition, doctors often use phytomenadione (vitamin K1 of synthetic origin) in antihemorrhagic therapy. It helps to prevent and reduce the intensity of external and internal bleeding.
The group of vitamins K includes several elements, but the most famous among them are K1 and K2. Their difference lies in the fact that we get the first from plant foods, and the second from animal products.
Properties of vitamin K1
As mentioned above, the trace element in question affects blood clotting and reduces its loss during abdominal operations, as well as in the event of wounds and scratches. This substance belongs to the category of fat-soluble and quickly loses its beneficial properties under the influence of sunlight. However, scientists have been able to create a type of vitamin K1 that does not break down in the light. The most popular drug that contains it is the Konakion tool, developed by doctors from Europe. It provides the necessary amount of vitamin in the case when withhe is not getting enough food. Often a course of the drug "Konakion" is prescribed to patients before an extensive operation. Sometimes it is recommended to women during the period of bearing a child. Vitamin K1 helps prevent the risk of bleeding during childbirth.
The drug "Konakion" is especially useful for the elderly. With age, more and more inflammatory processes begin in the body, and vitamin K1 can reduce the likelihood of their occurrence. In no case should you take the drug yourself without consulting your doctor. But eating foods rich in natural vitamin K1 is very he althy.
Promotes phytomenadione and maintains the youth of the body. It neutralizes free radicals and toxins that destroy body cells and lead to aging. It is believed that vitamin K1 can prevent the appearance and development of malignant tumors.
This microelement also plays a very important role in metabolic processes occurring in bone and connective tissues. It supports normal kidney function and facilitates calcium absorption.
Practical application
Doctors may prescribe drugs containing synthetic vitamin K1 in the following cases:
- to reduce the risk of internal bleeding;
- to prevent adverse effects after surgery;
- for the prevention of osteochondrosis and osteoporosis.
Most often the drug is recommended as one of the elementstherapy. In addition, the doctor advises eating foods rich in this trace element.
Vitamin K1 deficiency
It is easy to guess that the lack of conacion in the body can lead to sad consequences. Fortunately, such cases are rare. Still, modern people consume a fairly large number of foods containing vitamin K1. And although it is not synthesized by the body, its deficiency is not common.
It can be observed in newborns, as there is very little vitamin K1 in breast milk. Sometimes this is the result of malnutrition of the expectant mother. Because of this, the infant may experience internal or external hemorrhages (bloody stools or vomiting). This is easily corrected with adequate treatment.
In adults, vitamin K1 deficiency can manifest itself in the form of subcutaneous, gastric, external bleeding. Hemorrhagic syndrome is often observed. There is also bleeding gums. This is due to poor nutrition or the use of a number of medications.
Too much vitamin K1
An overabundance of trace elements is extremely rare. This is possible in case of abuse of drugs containing konakion. Overdose symptoms appear only in the case of prolonged uncontrolled intake of synthetic vitamin K1. They can be expressed in increased sweating, poisoning, indigestion, damage to the tissues of the liver and even the brain. If you experience these symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Vitamin K1: where it is found
As mentioned above, a person can get this trace element only from the outside. It is found in the following products:
- spinach;
- tomatoes;
- asparagus;
- cabbage;
- potato;
- avocado;
- kiwi;
- bananas;
- oatmeal;
- soy;
- olive oil;
- alfalfa;
- algae;
- green tea;
- rosehip.
Vitamin K1 for animals
Konakion is useful not only for humans. Vitamin K1 is essential for dogs and cats. He takes an active part in metabolism, cell synthesis and the formation of proteins by the liver that are responsible for normal blood clotting. Its deficiency can cause various disorders. So, when stopping, bleeding may occur. That is why vitamin K1 for dogs is very important. This is especially true for animals over 12 years old. Useful vitamins K1 for wool. They are produced in various forms. It can be drops, but some animals refuse to take them, and it is quite problematic to force them to drip, especially if the dog is large. Pets really like various pills in the form of a bone or a ball.
They are happy to taste them and perceive them as a pleasant treat. It is necessary to give vitamin K1 in courses, taking breaks. Please consult your veterinarian before use.