Vitamin K - Interactions

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Vitamin K

Vitamin K is needed for proper bone formation and blood clotting. In both cases, vitamin K does this by helping the body transport calcium. Vitamin K is used by doctors when treating an overdose of the drug warfarin. Also, doctors prescribe vitamin K to prevent excessive bleeding in people taking warfarin but requiring surgery.

There is promising preliminary evidence that vitamin K2 (not vitamin K1), may improve a group of blood disorders known as myelodysplastic syndromes, which carry a significantly increased risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia.

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:


Used for AmountWhy
Atherosclerosis
(Vitamin K1, for coronary calcification )
500 mcg per day of vitamin K1 2 stars 

In a double-blind trial, supplementing with vitamin K1 for three years appeared to slow the rate of progression of coronary artery calcification in seniors.

2 stars Atherosclerosis

500 mcg per day of vitamin K1

In a double-blind trial, supplementing with vitamin K1 for three years appeared to slow the rate of progression of coronary artery calcification in elderly people who had preexisting coronary artery calcification. Participants in that study were randomly assigned to receive a multivitamin that contained 500 mcg per day of vitamin K1 or the same multivitamin without vitamin K1.2 


Used for AmountWhy
Celiac Disease and Vitamin K Deficiency
Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner2 stars The malabsorption that occurs in celiac disease can lead to multiple nutritional deficiencies. Supplementing with vitamin K may correct a deficiency.

2 stars Celiac Disease and Vitamin K Deficiency

Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner

The malabsorption that occurs in celiac disease can lead to multiple nutritional deficiencies. The most common nutritional problems in people with celiac disease include deficiencies of essential fatty acids, iron, vitamin D, vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, and folic acid.3 Zinc malabsorption also occurs frequently in celiac disease4 and may result in zinc deficiency, even in people who are otherwise in remission.5 People with newly diagnosed celiac disease should be assessed for nutritional deficiencies by a doctor. Celiac patients who have not yet completely recovered should supplement with a high-potency multivitamin-mineral. Some patients may require even higher amounts of some of these vitamins and minerals—an issue that should be discussed with their healthcare practitioner. Evidence of a nutrient deficiency in a celiac patient is a clear indication for supplementation with that nutrient.

After commencement of a gluten-free diet, overall nutritional status gradually improves. However, deficiencies of some nutrients may persist, even in people who are strictly avoiding gluten. For example, magnesium deficiency was found in 8 of 23 adults with celiac disease who had been following a gluten-free diet and were symptom-free. When these adults were supplemented with magnesium for two years, their bone mineral density increased significantly.6


Used for AmountWhy
Crohn’s Disease
80 to 1,000 mcg daily2 stars Taking vitamin K can counteract the deficiency and resulting bone loss that can occur in people with Crohn’s disease.

2 stars Crohn’s Disease

80 to 1,000 mcg daily

In people with Crohn's disease, vitamin K deficiency can result from malabsorption due to intestinal inflammation or bowel surgery, from chronic diarrhea, or from dietary changes necessitated by food intolerance. In addition, Crohn's disease is often treated with antibiotics that have the potential to kill beneficial vitamin K–producing bacteria in the intestines. Vitamin K levels were significantly lower in a group of people with Crohn's disease than in healthy people. Moreover, the rate of bone loss in the Crohn's disease patients increased with increasing degrees of vitamin K deficiency.7 When combined with earlier evidence that vitamin K is required to maintain healthy bones, this study suggests that vitamin K deficiency is a contributing factor to the accelerated bone loss that often occurs in people with Crohn's disease.


Used for AmountWhy
Cystic Fibrosis
5 mg every three days2 stars The fat malabsorption associated with cystic fibrosis often leads to a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin K. Supplementation can help counteract the deficiency.

2 stars Cystic Fibrosis

5 mg every three days

The fat malabsorption associated with CF often leads to a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins. Oral supplementation of these nutrients is considered crucial to maintaining good nutritional status.8 Current recommendations for supplementation are as follows: vitamin A, 5,000 to 10,000 IU/day; vitamin D, 1,000 to 2,000 IU/day; vitamin E, 100 to 300 IU/day; and vitamin K, 5 mg every three days. Of the water-soluble vitamins, only vitamin B12 is poorly absorbed in cystic fibrosis,9 and taking pancreatic enzymes helps prevent B12 deficiencies.10


Used for AmountWhy
Osteoporosis
1,000 mcg daily2 stars Vitamin K is needed for bone formation, and supplementing with it may be a way to maintain bone mass.

2 stars Osteoporosis

1,000 mcg daily

Vitamin K is needed for bone formation. People with osteoporosis have been reported to have low blood levels11, 12 and low dietary intake of vitamin K.13, 14 One study found that postmenopausal (though not premenopausal) women may reduce urinary loss of calcium by taking 1 mg of vitamin K per day.15 People with osteoporosis given large amounts of vitamin K2 (45 mg per day) have shown an increase in bone density after six months16 and decreased bone loss after one17 or two18 years.

Other preliminary studies have reported that vitamin K supplementation increases bone formation in some women19 and that higher vitamin K intake correlates with greater bone mineral density.20 However, a double-blind study found that supplementing with 500 mcg of vitamin K1 per day for three years had no effect on bone mineral density, when compared with a placebo.21 Some doctors recommend 1 mg vitamin K1 to postmenopausal women as a way to help maintain bone mass, though optimal intake remains unknown.


Used for AmountWhy
Morning Sickness
Refer to label instructions 1 star Vitamin K and vitamin C, taken together, may provide relief of morning sickness symptoms for some women.

1 star Morning Sickness

Vitamin K and vitamin C, taken together, may provide relief of symptoms for some women. In one study, 91% of women who took 5 mg of vitamin K and 25 mg of vitamin C per day reported the complete disappearance of morning sickness within three days.22 Menadione was removed from the market a number of years ago because of concerns about potential toxicity. Although some doctors still use a combination of vitamin K1 (the most prevalent form of vitamin K in food) and vitamin C for morning sickness, no studies on this treatment have been done.


Used for AmountWhy
Phenylketonuria and Vitamin K Deficiency
Refer to label instructions 1 star People with PKU may be deficient in vitamin K, due to the restricted PKU diet. Supplementing with vitamin K may correct a deficiency.

1 star Phenylketonuria and Vitamin K Deficiency

People with PKU may be deficient in several nutrients, due to the restricted diet which is low in protein and animal fat. Deficiencies of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs),23 , 24 , 25 selenium,26 , 27 , 28 , 29 vitamin B12,30 and vitamin K may develop on this diet.31

Because the PKU diet is low in animal products, fat intake is also significantly reduced. The results of a preliminary study of children with PKU suggested that the low-fat PKU diet intake may impair the absorption of vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin, from the diet, possibly resulting in a vitamin K deficiency. In that study, children with PKU on a strict diet had low levels of certain vitamin K-dependent proteins needed for normal blood clotting.32

Also indexed as:
  • vitamin K,
  • vitamin K1
Alternative Treatments

About this treatment

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

Vitamin K facilitates the effects of calcium in building bone and proper blood clotting.

Interactions with Medicines

Certain medicines interact with this supplement.

May Be Beneficial:Some medicines may increase the need for this supplement.
Avoid:Some medicines interact with this supplement, so they should not be taken together.
Check: Some interactions between this supplement and certain medicines require more explanation. Click the link to see details.

Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines Index.

May Be Beneficial:Amikacin
May Be Beneficial:Amikacin
May Be Beneficial:Ampicillin
May Be Beneficial:Ampicillin
May Be Beneficial:Ampicillin with Sulbactam
May Be Beneficial:Ampicillin with Sulbactam
May Be Beneficial:Aztreonam
May Be Beneficial:Aztreonam
May Be Beneficial:Bacampicillin
May Be Beneficial:Bacampicillin
May Be Beneficial:Bacitracin
May Be Beneficial:Bacitracin
May Be Beneficial:Carbamazepine
May Be Beneficial:Carbenicillin
May Be Beneficial:Carbenicillin
May Be Beneficial:Cefaclor
May Be Beneficial:Cefaclor
May Be Beneficial:Cefadroxil
May Be Beneficial:Cefadroxil
May Be Beneficial:Cefamandole
May Be Beneficial:Cefamandole
May Be Beneficial:Cefazolin
May Be Beneficial:Cefazolin
May Be Beneficial:Cefdinir
May Be Beneficial:Cefdinir
May Be Beneficial:Cefepime
May Be Beneficial:Cefepime
May Be Beneficial:Cefixime
May Be Beneficial:Cefixime
May Be Beneficial:Cefonicid
May Be Beneficial:Cefonicid
May Be Beneficial:Cefoperazone
May Be Beneficial:Cefoperazone
May Be Beneficial:Cefotaxime
May Be Beneficial:Cefotaxime
May Be Beneficial:Cefotetan
May Be Beneficial:Cefotetan
May Be Beneficial:Cefoxitin
May Be Beneficial:Cefoxitin
May Be Beneficial:Cefpodoxime
May Be Beneficial:Cefpodoxime
May Be Beneficial:Cefprozil
May Be Beneficial:Cefprozil
May Be Beneficial:Ceftazidime
May Be Beneficial:Ceftazidime
May Be Beneficial:Ceftibuten
May Be Beneficial:Ceftibuten
May Be Beneficial:Ceftizoxime
May Be Beneficial:Ceftizoxime
May Be Beneficial:Ceftriaxone
May Be Beneficial:Ceftriaxone
May Be Beneficial:Cefuroxime
May Be Beneficial:Cefuroxime
May Be Beneficial:Cephalexin
May Be Beneficial:Cephalexin
May Be Beneficial:Cephalothin
May Be Beneficial:Cephalothin
May Be Beneficial:Cephapirin
May Be Beneficial:Cephapirin
May Be Beneficial:Cephradine
May Be Beneficial:Cephradine
May Be Beneficial:Cholestyramine
May Be Beneficial:Cloxacillin
May Be Beneficial:Cloxacillin
May Be Beneficial:Colesevelam
May Be Beneficial:Colestipol
May Be Beneficial:Cycloserine
May Be Beneficial:Demeclocycline
May Be Beneficial:Demeclocycline
May Be Beneficial:Felbamate
May Be Beneficial:Imipenem-Cilastatin
May Be Beneficial:Imipenem-Cilastatin
May Be Beneficial:Isoniazid
May Be Beneficial:Kanamycin
May Be Beneficial:Kanamycin
May Be Beneficial:Levetiracetam
May Be Beneficial:Loracarbef
May Be Beneficial:Loracarbef
May Be Beneficial:Meropenem
May Be Beneficial:Meropenem
May Be Beneficial:Mezlocillin
May Be Beneficial:Mezlocillin
May Be Beneficial:Mineral Oil
May Be Beneficial:Nafcillin
May Be Beneficial:Nafcillin
May Be Beneficial:Netilmicin
May Be Beneficial:Netilmicin
May Be Beneficial:Oxacillin
May Be Beneficial:Oxacillin
May Be Beneficial:Oxcarbazepine
May Be Beneficial:Penicillin G
May Be Beneficial:Penicillin G
May Be Beneficial:Piperacillin
May Be Beneficial:Piperacillin
May Be Beneficial:Piperacillin-Tazobactam
May Be Beneficial:Piperacillin-Tazobactam
May Be Beneficial:Polymyxin B
May Be Beneficial:Polymyxin B
May Be Beneficial:Primidone
May Be Beneficial:Silver Sulfadiazine
May Be Beneficial:Silver Sulfadiazine
May Be Beneficial:Streptomycin
May Be Beneficial:Streptomycin
May Be Beneficial:Sulfacetamide
May Be Beneficial:Sulfanilamide
May Be Beneficial:Sulfanilamide
May Be Beneficial:Sulfisoxazole
May Be Beneficial:Sulfisoxazole
May Be Beneficial:Ticarcillin
May Be Beneficial:Ticarcillin
May Be Beneficial:Ticarcillin-Clavulanate
May Be Beneficial:Topiramate
May Be Beneficial:Triple Sulfa
May Be Beneficial:Triple Sulfa
May Be Beneficial:Troleandomycin
May Be Beneficial:Troleandomycin
May Be Beneficial:Zonisamide
Check: Amoxicillin
Check: Amoxicillin–Potassium Clavulanate
Check: Azithromycin
Check: Ciprofloxacin
Check: Clarithromycin
Check: Clindamycin
Check: Cortisone
Check: Dapsone
Check: Dexamethasone
Check: Dicloxacillin
Check: Doxycycline
Check: Erythromycin
Check: Gabapentin
Check: Gentamicin
Check: Levofloxacin
Check: Methylprednisolone
Check: Minocycline
Check: Neomycin
Check: Nitrofurantoin
Check: Ofloxacin
Check: Penicillin V
Check: Phenobarbital
Check: Prednisolone
Check: Prednisone
Check: Sulfamethoxazole
Check: Sulfasalazine
Check: Tetracycline
Check: Tobramycin
Check: Trimethoprim
Check: Trimethoprim/ Sulfamethoxazole
Check: Valproate
Check: Warfarin

Last Review: 05-11-2011

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Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net

Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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