At the beginning of the last century, doctors have established the undoubted benefit of vitamins and minerals for our health. But so that these substances do not harm, you must maintain a strict balance of their content in the body. Both a deficiency and an overabundance of vitamins can lead to negative consequences, sometimes very serious ones. Therefore, the intake of any biologically active additives can only begin after consultation with a doctor.
The main functions of vitamin K1
For well-being, it is necessary to provide the body with various trace elements. One of them is vitamin K1. It is not as famous as ascorbic acid or tocopherol acetate, but its health value is hard to overestimate. In addition, you need to remember that the body does not independently synthesize vitamin K1. The formula of this trace element is such that it can only be found in foods and food additives.
Vitamin K1 was first isolated in the 20s of the last century. A scientist from Denmark, Henrik Dam, after conducting a series of laboratory studies, found that blood coagulates better under the influence of some substance obtained from the outside. Later he managed to derive his formula. He was called conacion, vitamin K1 by the first letter of the phrase koagulations vitamin. What is the translation of this concept? "Vitamin that promotes blood coagulation."
This is one of the most important functions of the trace element. After all, it is blood coagulation that provides a quick healing process . This factor is also very important during medical operations. In addition, doctors often use phytomenadione (synthetic vitamin K1) 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 K1 and K2 are the most famous among them. Their difference lies in the fact that we get the first from plant foods, and the second from animal products.
Vitamin K1 Properties
As mentioned above, the trace element in question affects blood coagulability and reduces its loss during abdominal operations, as well as in the event of wounds and scratches. This substance is classified as fat-soluble and quickly loses its beneficial properties under the influence of sunlight. However, scientists were able to create a type of vitamin K1 that does not break down in the light. The most popular drug that contains it is Conakion, a drug developed by European doctors. It provides the necessary amount of vitamin in the case when it does not come in sufficient quantities with food. Often, the course of the drug "Conakion" is prescribed to patients before an extensive operation. Sometimes it is recommended for women during the period of bearing a child. Vitamin K1 helps prevent the risk of bleeding during childbirth.
Conakion is especially useful for the elderly. With age, more and more inflammatory processes begin in the body, and vitamin K1 is able to reduce the likelihood of their occurrence. In no case should you take the drug yourself without consulting a doctor. But to eat foods rich in natural vitamin K1 is very useful.
Promotes phytomenadione and maintaining the body's youth. It neutralizes free radicals and toxins, which destroy the cells of the body and lead to aging. It is believed that vitamin K1 is able to prevent the appearance and development of malignant tumors.
This microelement plays a very important role in metabolic processes occurring in bone and connective tissues. It supports the normal functioning of the kidneys and facilitates the absorption of calcium.
Practical use
Doctors may prescribe preparations 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 elements of therapy. In addition, the doctor advises to eat foods rich in this trace element.
Vitamin K1 Deficiency
It is easy to guess that the lack of conakion 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 an uncommon phenomenon.
It can be observed in newborns, since there is very little vitamin K1 in breast milk. Sometimes this becomes a consequence of the unhealthy diet of the expectant mother. Because of this, the baby may experience internal or external hemorrhages (bloody feces or vomiting). This is easily corrected with adequate treatment.
In adults, vitamin K1 deficiency can occur in the form of subcutaneous, gastric, and 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.
Excess Vitamin K1
An excess of trace elements is extremely rare. This is possible in case of abuse of drugs containing conacion. 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 liver tissue and even the brain. If such symptoms occur, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Vitamin K1: where it is contained
As mentioned above, a person can get this microelement only from the outside. It is contained in the following products:
- spinach;
- Tomatoes
- asparagus;
- cabbage;
- potatoes;
- avocado;
- kiwi;
- bananas
- oatmeal;
- soybeans;
- olive oil;
- alfalfa;
- seaweed;
- green tea;
- dogrose.
Vitamin K1 for animals
Conakion is useful not only for humans. Vitamin K1 is needed for dogs and cats. He takes an active part in metabolism, cell synthesis and the formation of liver proteins responsible for normal blood coagulation. Its deficiency can cause various violations. So, when stopping, bleeding may appear. That is why vitamin K1 is very important for dogs. This is especially true for animals over 12 years old. Vitamins K1 are useful for wool. They come in various forms. It may be drops, but some animals refuse to accept them, and instilling them by force is quite problematic, especially if the dog is large. Pets in the form of a bone or ball really like pets.
They are happy to taste them for a tooth and perceive as a pleasant treat. Vitamin K1 must be given in courses, taking breaks. Before use, you should consult your veterinarian.