vitamin K
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A fat-soluble vitamin essential for the synthesis of certain proteins required for normal blood clotting. It also plays a role in bone metabolism.
Usage
"Vitamin K" is used as a non-count noun to refer to this specific nutrient. It is often discussed in contexts of nutrition, biochemistry, and medicine. * Newborns are typically given a dose of vitamin K to prevent bleeding disorders. * A deficiency in vitamin K can lead to excessive bleeding. * Green leafy vegetables are a rich source of vitamin K.
Advanced Usage
- "Vitamin K deficiency": A medical condition characterized by a lack of this vitamin, leading to impaired blood clotting.
- The patient's bruising was attributed to a vitamin K deficiency.
- "Vitamin K antagonist": A type of drug (e.g., warfarin) that inhibits the action of vitamin K, used as an anticoagulant.
- Patients on a vitamin K antagonist must monitor their diet carefully.
Variants and Related Words
- Phylloquinone (Vitamin K1): The form of vitamin K found in plants.
- Kale and spinach contain phylloquinone.
- Menaquinone (Vitamin K2): The form of vitamin K produced by bacteria and found in some animal products and fermented foods.
- Natto is a significant dietary source of menaquinone.
Synonyms
- Antihemorrhagic vitamin: (Technical/archaic) A synonym highlighting its function in preventing bleeding.
Related Compounds
- Vitamin K-dependent protein: Proteins, such as prothrombin, that require vitamin K for their synthesis and function in clotting.
- The liver produces vitamin K-dependent proteins.
Noun
- a fat-soluble vitamin that helps in the clotting of blood