5. Vitamins (5 of 6)
Vitamin K is not usually talked about when one speaks of vitamins, but it's there, and it's important. Vitamin K comes in two natural forms. K1 (phylooquinone) occurs in green plants. K2 (menaquinone) is produced by bacteria in the large intestine. K3 (menadione) is a synthetic version with 2-3 times the potency of K1.
It's main function involves clotting of blood. Specifically, vitamin K functions as a cofactor to convert proteins into prothrombin (factor II) in the liver. (See accompanying diagram.) Without enough vitamin K, clotting slows. (Vitamin K is an antidote for rat poisoning.) Vitamin K also plays a role in bone and kidney tissue involving the binding of calcium.
Vitamin K is not usually talked about when one speaks of vitamins, but it's there, and it's important. Vitamin K comes in two natural forms. K1 (phylooquinone) occurs in green plants. K2 (menaquinone) is produced by bacteria in the large intestine. K3 (menadione) is a synthetic version with 2-3 times the potency of K1.
It's main function involves clotting of blood. Specifically, vitamin K functions as a cofactor to convert proteins into prothrombin (factor II) in the liver. (See accompanying diagram.) Without enough vitamin K, clotting slows. (Vitamin K is an antidote for rat poisoning.) Vitamin K also plays a role in bone and kidney tissue involving the binding of calcium.
Cats
get some of their vitamin K from the bacteria in the intestine. For
most cats, this seems to supply a sufficient amount. The exception is
the intestinal bacterial population is depleted by antibiotics or other
drugs interfer with the absorption from the large intestine. Liver,
eggs, and certain fish (salmon, canned tuna and mackerel) are fairly
good animal sources.
Again - please note all thanks and due go to Linda Hornberger for writing this up so so well.
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