Micrographic image of vitamin K‑crystalsVitamin K is a liposoluble group of naphthoquinone derivatives, the members of which differ from each other in the type and length of their side chain. The following vitamin K‑active compounds are of biomedical significance:
- Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is naturally occurring and develops in the chloroplasts of plants. Green vegetables are therefore among the top suppliers of vitamin K1.
- With the exception of MK-4, vitamin K2 (menaquinone; MK) is formed by bacteria and is found in a high concentration in cheese, yogurt and fermented soya produce such as natto.
- Vitamin K3 (menadione) is synthetically derived and is converted by the body into vitamin K2.
Functions of vitamin K
- The designation of “coagulation vitamin” refers to the importance of vitamin K for normal clotting. The natural substance also regulated bone mineralisation and therefore contributes towards the maintenance of normal bones.
Useful information.
- In the metabolism of bones, vitamin K works closely with calcium and vitamin D.
- With regard to the metabolism of bones, up to 40 % of the population have an insufficient supply of vitamin K.
Information on production technology
- INTERCELL Pharma processes vitamin K as a mono substance and in complex blends.
- Vitamin K is filled under light-protective conditions. This enables the stability of this light-sensitive vitamin to be maintained during the course of the manufacturing process.
- INTERCELL Pharma exclusively uses the especially biologically active MK-7. Compared to off-the-shelf vitamin K1, it exhibits a significantly higher biopotency. MK-7 also has a significantly longer half life such that the intake of preparations based on MK-7 result in more stable and significantly higher blood levels.
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