Tag: Phytonadione

Phytonadione, also known as vitamin K1, is a medication used to prevent and treat vitamin K deficiency bleeding. Understanding the ingredients in phytonadione vitamin K is essential, as the composition varies significantly depending on the formulation and route of administration.

Derived from the German word 'Koagulationsvitamin' due to its role in blood clotting, the term vitamin K actually refers to a family of related fat-soluble compounds. Therefore, asking what is the chemical name for vitamin K requires understanding its different forms, rather than identifying a single compound.

Vitamin K deficiency can lead to a potentially life-threatening bleeding disorder in newborns, a condition known as Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB). This fact highlights the crucial and scientifically established role this vitamin plays in the body's ability to coagulate blood and halt hemorrhage.

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin K exists in several forms, including natural versions found in foods and synthetic variants created in laboratories. The most infamous example of a synthetic form of vitamin K is menadione, also known as vitamin K3, which has distinct characteristics and safety concerns compared to its natural counterparts.

While most people associate vitamin K with leafy green vegetables, a significant portion of this vital nutrient is produced by your own gut bacteria. For individuals who don't get enough from diet alone, non-food sources like supplements and medical injections ensure adequate levels for proper blood clotting and bone health. Understanding these alternative sources is essential for maintaining optimal health.

The National Drug Code (NDC) is a unique, three-segment number assigned to every human drug product marketed in the United States, as required by the FDA. While 'vitamin K' is a broad term, the prescription form of vitamin K, phytonadione, has specific NDC numbers associated with its various manufacturers and formulations.

Approximately 75–90% of all vitamin K consumed by humans is in the form of vitamin K1. The ingredients in K1, or phylloquinone, vary significantly depending on whether it is obtained from natural food sources, formulated as a dietary supplement, or manufactured as a medical injection [2.1, 2.5.5].

According to the National Institutes of Health, most healthy adults can obtain enough vitamin K from a balanced diet, so daily supplementation may not be necessary. Whether daily vitamin K1 is appropriate depends on individual health, medication use, and dietary habits.

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin K is an essential fat-soluble vitamin critical for normal blood clotting and bone health. However, the question remains: do you need a prescription for vitamin K1, also known as phytonadione?

While most people do not experience adverse effects from oral vitamin K1 at recommended doses, certain circumstances, particularly injections and interactions with specific medications, carry significant risks. This prompts the important question: Does vitamin K1 have side effects?