Functions of Vitamin K
1. Clotting factors are synthesized in the liver as inactive
precursors - vitamin K converts them to their active forms
– Conversion of prothrombin to thrombin
– Formation of fibrinogen to fibrin, leading to clot
formation
2. Stimulates bone formation and decreases bone resorption.
Deficiency of Vitamin K
1. Fat absorption is impaired (e.g., cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s
disease).
2. Long-term or high-dose administration of antibiotics (they
kill the bacteria in large intestine)
3. Newborn babies with sterile GI tract; single vitamin K dose
given to prevent hemorrhage
4. Prolonged clotting time– Generalized hemorrhages
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