VITAMINA K: quais problemas a falta pode causar? Pra que serve? Onde encontrar nos alimentos?

Summary

In this video, Dr. Carlos Cunha explores the vital role of vitamin K, one of the four fat-soluble vitamins essential for the body. He explains its key function in blood coagulation, bone health, and tissue maintenance, highlighting the differences between vitamin K1 and K2. Dr. Cunha also addresses the causes and symptoms of vitamin K deficiency, including bleeding and clotting issues, and offers advice on how to prevent deficiencies through diet and supplementation. This video is part of a larger series on vitamins, offering practical health insights to viewers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for blood clotting and bone health.
• 😀 There are two types of vitamin K: K1 (phylloquinone) and K2 (menaquinone).
• 😀 Vitamin K1 is primarily found in green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli.
• 😀 Vitamin K2 is found in fermented foods and produced by bacteria in the intestines.
• 😀 Vitamin K is vital for the coagulation cascade, helping the body form blood clots.
• 😀 Vitamin K deficiency can lead to bleeding issues such as spontaneous bleeding from the skin, nose, and digestive tract.
• 😀 Deficiency in vitamin K can occur due to low fat intake, certain diseases, or the use of specific medications like anticonvulsants and antibiotics.
• 😀 Vitamin K2 also helps with the fixation of calcium in bones, making it crucial for bone health, especially in women at risk for osteoporosis.
• 😀 Vitamin K2 improves arterial elasticity and contributes to better blood circulation.
• 😀 People on anticoagulants like warfarin need to monitor vitamin K levels to avoid interference with medication.
• 😀 To improve absorption, vitamin K should be consumed with fats since it is fat-soluble and stored in fat.

Q & A

What is the role of vitamin K in the body?

Vitamin K is essential for synthesizing proteins that control bleeding, known as coagulation factors. It plays a crucial role in normal blood clotting and bone health.

What are the two main types of vitamin K?

The two main types of vitamin K are vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K2 (menaquinone). Vitamin K1 is found in green leafy vegetables, while vitamin K2 is produced by bacteria in the intestines and found in animal products.

What foods are rich in vitamin K1?

Vitamin K1 is abundant in green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, arugula, watercress, lettuce, spinach, kale, cauliflower, and cabbage.

How does vitamin K2 contribute to bone health?

Vitamin K2 helps with the fixation of calcium in the bones, which is important for preventing osteoporosis, especially in women, and improving the elasticity of arteries for better blood circulation.

What happens if there is a vitamin K deficiency?

Vitamin K deficiency can lead to spontaneous bleeding, such as in the skin, nose, stomach, intestine, or bladder. It can also cause blood in the urine or stool, indicating potential clotting problems.

Who is at risk for vitamin K deficiency?

People who do not consume enough vegetables, those with low-fat diets, or individuals with diseases affecting fat absorption (like cystic fibrosis) are at risk. Certain medications, like anticonvulsants and antibiotics, can also reduce vitamin K levels.

Can vitamin K deficiency affect blood clotting?

Yes, vitamin K deficiency impairs the production of clotting factors, which can lead to difficulties in normal blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding.

What is vitamin K3 and how does it differ from K1 and K2?

Vitamin K3 is an artificial substance that is not naturally found in food. It is produced in laboratories and is used in dietary supplements, unlike vitamin K1 and K2, which are naturally occurring.

How is vitamin K absorbed in the body?

Vitamin K is fat-soluble, meaning it is best absorbed when ingested with dietary fat. It is stored in fat tissue in the body.

What should people on anticoagulants be aware of regarding vitamin K?

People on anticoagulants, such as Warfarin (Marevan), must monitor their vitamin K intake, as excessive amounts can interfere with their treatment. Doctors may adjust their vitamin K levels to help control coagulation and ensure the effectiveness of the medication.