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From:	sharks having fun (99.106.227.132)
Subject:	Re: Vitamin K2 and vegan diets?
Date:	April 6, 2012 at 6:37 am PST

In Reply to: Vitamin K2 and vegan diets? posted by curious on April 5, 2012 at 3:25 pm:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_K

"This group of vitamins includes two natural vitamers: vitamin K1 and vitamin K2."

"Vitamin K1 is required for coagulation, is synthesized by plants (...)"

"Vitamin K2 is involved in bone metabolism. (...)" "(...) is synthesized by animal tissues and is found in meat, eggs, and dairy products."

"Bacteria can produce a range of vitamin K2 forms, including the conversion of K1 to K2 (MK-7) by bacteria in the small intestines."

"Colonic bacteria synthesize a significant portion of humans' vitamin K needs (...)"

"Previous theory held that dietary deficiency is extremely rare unless the intestine (small bowel) was heavily damaged, resulting in malabsorption of the molecule. The other at-risk group for deficiency were those subject to decreased production of K2 by normal flora, as seen in broad spectrum antibiotic use.[31] Taking broad-spectrum antibiotics can reduce vitamin K production in the gut by nearly 74% in people compared with those not taking these antibiotics.[32] Diets low in vitamin K also decrease the body's vitamin K concentration.[33] Additionally, in the elderly there is a reduction in vitamin K2 production.[34] Recent research results also demonstrate that the small intestine and large intestine (colon) seem to be inefficient at absorbing vitamin K.[35][36]"

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