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Last modified: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 3:16 PM CDT
Vitamin K a treatment for several health issues
by Jennifer Johnson • Daily News
A breakthrough in treating cardiovascular problems, osteoporosis and a wide variety of other health issues has recently been tied to a surprising source: vitamin K.
New research shows sufficient doses of the vitamin can prevent or treat liver and colorectal cancer, while inadequate amounts may lead to pre-eclampsia during pregnancy and varicose veins.
For years, health professionals believed the vitamin was included in supplements but that's not the case, according to Cathy Breedon, clinical nutrition specialist at MeritCare Medical Center, Fargo.
"It's not checked very often, so we have a lot of people who are low and don't know it," she said.
Vitamin K is key to the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis, as it binds calcium and other minerals to the bone. People may have a high calcium intake but it's only being absorbed into the bloodstream, which can cause arterial inflammation, she said.
Brenda Woytassek, coordinator for Wilkin County Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drugs Coalition, said the findings are significant. Residents of northern states don't get enough vitamin D, which leads to more difficulties with osteoporosis.
"People need to look at not only what they're eating, but also make sure they're getting all the nutrients they need," she said. "You put gas in your car to make it go; you need to put the correct kind of fuel in your body to make it healthy."
The vitamin has also been linked to treating colon and liver cancer, as well as playing a hand in diabetes management.
For years, the health field only knew about the way vitamin K helped control blood clotting, and even now the research has yet to be fully tapped. If you're currently using Coumadin, or Warfarin sodium tablets, Breedon suggests talking to your doctor first before starting on the vitamin.
"If you're on it, don't do this on your own," she warned.
Most people who don't use the drug should boost their intake of fresh vegetables, such as seaweed, raw kale and broccoli. But if you turn to salads, be sure to eat the right kind leafy green like spinach and sufficient amounts.
"Iceberg lettuce is essentially crunchy water," said Breedon. "The thing is, people need to eat more leafy greens. If they're not, they have to get it from another source."
When checking out your multivitamin supply, examine the back of the bottle carefully. Breedon, who works in pediatrics, said she used Flintstones Complete-brand multivitamins for her kids, but realized it doesn't include vitamin K.
"Some do and some don't," she said. "It's not really been on our radar at all."
As far as the toxin level, no limit has been established. "You don't usually hear about someone overdosing on spinach," she said.
Any healthcare professionals interested in issues related to vitamin K can contact Breedon through MeritCare and receive additional information.
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