Vitamin K1

What’s Vitamin K1？

The chemical name of vitamin K1 is phylloquinone, which is a fat-soluble vitamin. Its chemical structure includes a naphthoquinone ring and a phytol side chain. This structural feature determines its fat solubility, allowing it to dissolve in a fat environment and be absorbed by the human body. Given the importance of vitamin K1 in human health, some food manufacturers add vitamin K1 to food as a nutritional enhancer.

The Specification of Vitamin K1

Vitamin K1′ s Properties

Promote Blood Clotting

Vitamin K1 is essential for the synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X, which are critical to the blood coagulation process. It facilitates the carboxylation of these factors, activating them to effectively promote clot formation and prevent bleeding.

A deficiency in Vitamin K1 impairs the production of these coagulation factors, leading to prolonged clotting time and increased bleeding risk. Symptoms may include easy bruising, nosebleeds, gum bleeding, and skin ecchymosis.

Involved in Bone Metabolism

Vitamin K1 plays a vital role in bone metabolism by supporting the synthesis and carboxylation of osteocalcin—a protein secreted by osteoblasts that is essential for bone mineralization and maintaining bone mass. Adequate intake of Vitamin K1 helps improve bone density and may reduce the risk of fractures.

Maintains Cardiovascular Health

Vitamin K1 may support cardiovascular health by inhibiting vascular calcification—a key pathological feature of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. By preventing calcium deposition in blood vessel walls, Vitamin K1 helps reduce the risk of vascular calcification and associated cardiovascular conditions.

Vitamin K1 may also contribute to normal liver function and cellular metabolism. In special populations such as newborns, supplementation with Vitamin K1 can help prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding, offering critical protection for neonatal health.