Article
Article
Vitamin K
Article By:
Kohlmeier, Martin Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Last reviewed:August 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.734600
A group of compounds derived from 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone that prevent bleeding in mammals and birds. Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is produced by green plants; a related form, vitamin K2 (menaquinone), is produced by intestinal bacteria. Chemically synthesized forms include vitamin K1, K2, and menadione (vitamin K3). All of these compounds are fat-soluble liquids at room temperature that become biologically inactive when exposed to light or alkali. See also: Vitamin
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