VTIAMIN K IS NOT POTASSIUM!
Potassium is an element on the periodic table represented by the chemical letter K. This is the second site I've come across mistaking the two for one another. This time I found it when searching for more information on vitamin k and muscle function on the LIVESTRONG site.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/292516-leg-cramps-vitamin-k/
Be critical of what you read!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Achilles Tendon Tear and Repair
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzzV5BRWlIc
Check out this video if you're into it. If you don't like blood, avert your eyes, otherwise this is pretty cool and I recommend watching!
Check out this video if you're into it. If you don't like blood, avert your eyes, otherwise this is pretty cool and I recommend watching!
Achilles Tendon Tear
An achilles tendon tear is one of the most detrimental tendon tears. These tears often occur in athletes who participate in running sports. Tears generally are the result of high tension in the gastrocnemius muscles that at some critical point cannot withstand the demands of the strech reflex and result in snapping of the tendon.
I thought this was a cool picture because it relates bone and muscle health to injury. The calcaneous (heel bone) provides a strong attachment site for the achilles tendon which anchors the gastrocnemius (calf) muscle. When the muscle becomes too tight this creates high tension on the tendon and bone. Our bones are much more able to withstand stress and strain forces so the result is damage to the achilles. Keeping our muscles healthy and agile through proper nutrition and recovery methods after exercise will prevent tendon ruptures. Sometimes when BMD is low the tissue is more fragile and prone to stress fractures and degredation. In this case a tight calf muscle and strong achilles may create enough tension that small bone fragments of the heel are broken off the attachement site of the tendon, rather than the actual tendon experiencing tear.
Indirect Connections
After much searching through various online databases not much has been found on my part relating vitamin k to muscle tissue health. Over the past weeks of developing our blogs I have learned much about vitamin k and the roles it does have in our bodies. Here's what we know so far:
Roles of vitamin K
- critical factor in influencing liver enzymes to stimulate the coagualtion cascade for blood clotting factors
- stimulation of bone formation via osteoblasts
- regualtion of osteclast activity and programmed cell death (apoptosis)
- influencing factor in cell formation specifically with the kidneys, heart, lungs
Indirect Effects
As mentioned I have not found any information regarding a driect influence of vitamin k on muscle tissue; however with the knowledge at hand we can gather that it does have indirect influences on our muscles.
- provides strong bones for muscle attachment sites and structural movement
- aids in regulating blood flow via homeostatic feedback of blood coagulation
- provides support of cell formation for organs critical to the maintenance and functioning of our muscles via:
- proper circulation of blood and nutrients to working muscles
- adequate perfusion/diffusion within the alveoli of our lungs
- proper secretion, absorption, and excretion of various toxins and nutrients through renal filtration
Though these are not direct correlations between vitamin k and muscle health it is important to remember what vitamin k does have an inlfuence over that may itself have some direct inlfuence on muscle tissue.
Roles of vitamin K
- critical factor in influencing liver enzymes to stimulate the coagualtion cascade for blood clotting factors
- stimulation of bone formation via osteoblasts
- regualtion of osteclast activity and programmed cell death (apoptosis)
- influencing factor in cell formation specifically with the kidneys, heart, lungs
Indirect Effects
As mentioned I have not found any information regarding a driect influence of vitamin k on muscle tissue; however with the knowledge at hand we can gather that it does have indirect influences on our muscles.
- provides strong bones for muscle attachment sites and structural movement
- aids in regulating blood flow via homeostatic feedback of blood coagulation
- provides support of cell formation for organs critical to the maintenance and functioning of our muscles via:
- proper circulation of blood and nutrients to working muscles
- adequate perfusion/diffusion within the alveoli of our lungs
- proper secretion, absorption, and excretion of various toxins and nutrients through renal filtration
Though these are not direct correlations between vitamin k and muscle health it is important to remember what vitamin k does have an inlfuence over that may itself have some direct inlfuence on muscle tissue.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Muscle and Strength
As we know, vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin that is present within plant material and the normal flora of our bodies. Plants synthesize vitamin K1, also known as phylloquinone. This is present within several plant foods such as green vegetables and certain oils. Bacteria within our bodies synthesize vitamin K2, also known as menaquinone. Vitamin K serves important functions in regulating bone tissue health and blood coagulation factors. It has also been shown to aid in cellular growth, specifically within the heart, lungs, kidneys, stomach, and cartilage.
From a perspective related to muscle health, vitamin k acts indirectly by influencing calcium absorption and regulating blood flow. Without the porper bone structure and blood flow to our working muscles, skeletal muscle tissue would be disadvantaged during growth and repair.
http://www.muscleandstrength.com/supplements/ingredients/vitamin-k.html
From a perspective related to muscle health, vitamin k acts indirectly by influencing calcium absorption and regulating blood flow. Without the porper bone structure and blood flow to our working muscles, skeletal muscle tissue would be disadvantaged during growth and repair.
http://www.muscleandstrength.com/supplements/ingredients/vitamin-k.html
Vitamin K is NOT Potassium!
Just wanted to inlcude this inforamtion into my blog. It's great how easily we can access information from the internet these days, epsecially looking at peer-reviewed research articles. On the flip side, there are many invalid sites out there that we need to be weary of when considering using their information for educational purposes.
When I was looking around for information on vitamin k and muscles I came across this site:
http://www.gainmuscleprogram.net/2010/01/31/vitamins-and-relief-vitamin-k-for-leg-cramps/
Some of the information reguarding vitamin k is correct, however they mistakingly confused it with potassium, stating that in fact vitamin k was potassium. This is not true and proves the point that not everything we find on the interent holds any validity. Its importnant to be skeptical when looking at non-reviewed sites and to always use a critical mind during research.
Just wanted to share what I had found.
When I was looking around for information on vitamin k and muscles I came across this site:
http://www.gainmuscleprogram.net/2010/01/31/vitamins-and-relief-vitamin-k-for-leg-cramps/
Some of the information reguarding vitamin k is correct, however they mistakingly confused it with potassium, stating that in fact vitamin k was potassium. This is not true and proves the point that not everything we find on the interent holds any validity. Its importnant to be skeptical when looking at non-reviewed sites and to always use a critical mind during research.
Just wanted to share what I had found.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Vitamin K Daily Values
| Adequate Intake (AI) for Vitamin K | |||
| Life Stage | Age | Males (mcg/day) | Females (mcg/day) |
| Infants | 0-6 months | 2 | 2 |
| Infants | 7-12 months | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Children | 1-3 years | 30 | 30 |
| Children | 4-8 years | 55 | 55 |
| Children | 9-13 years | 60 | 60 |
| Adolescents | 14-18 years | 75 | 75 |
| Adults | 19 years and older | 120 | 90 |
| Pregnancy | 18 years and younger | - | 75 |
| Pregnancy | 19 years and older | - | 90 |
| Breast-feeding | 18 years and younger | - | 75 |
| Breast-feeding | 19 years and older | - | 90 |
Effects of Warafrin on BMD
A study was condcuted evaluating the effects of long-term Warafrin use on bone mineral density (BMD). Warafrin is an anticoagualnt drug used for patients with certain heart diseases. The drug is involved in the recycling of vitamin K. This cyclical process of vitamin K formation and break down is involved in a coupled reaction that activates calcitonin and allows bone formaiton.
Vitamin K is a key component of blood coagualtion. As mentioned Warafrin works to counter this process in individuals with excessive clotting. Just as Warafrin blocks the recycling of Vitamin K, this also blocks the carboxyaltion process leading to bone formation. The current study surveyed lengths of use of Warafrin in several individuals in comparison with their BMD. Results indicated that long-term use of Warafrin had effects of lowering BMD overtime.
Note: For a review on the coupled reaction with vitamin K and where Warafrin acts check out the post titled "Vitamin K for Your Bones".
Rezaieyazdi, Z., Falsoleiman, H., Khajedualee, M., et al. (2009). Reduced Bone Density in Pateints on Long-Term Warafrin. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases. July; 12(2):130-5. Blackwell Pub. England.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20374330
Vitamin K is a key component of blood coagualtion. As mentioned Warafrin works to counter this process in individuals with excessive clotting. Just as Warafrin blocks the recycling of Vitamin K, this also blocks the carboxyaltion process leading to bone formation. The current study surveyed lengths of use of Warafrin in several individuals in comparison with their BMD. Results indicated that long-term use of Warafrin had effects of lowering BMD overtime.
Note: For a review on the coupled reaction with vitamin K and where Warafrin acts check out the post titled "Vitamin K for Your Bones".
Rezaieyazdi, Z., Falsoleiman, H., Khajedualee, M., et al. (2009). Reduced Bone Density in Pateints on Long-Term Warafrin. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases. July; 12(2):130-5. Blackwell Pub. England.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20374330
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Vitamin K For Your Bones
The overview:
Vitamin K is commonly thought of pertaining to blood coagulation, but there has been recent research indicating its vital role in bone growth and maintenance. Bone is composed of ratios of cortical and trabecular tissue with varying amounts of collagen and hydroxyapatite, depending on the bone itself. The matrix of hydroxyapatite is a crystalline lattice that provides rigidity to the bone structure. Through a mediated process and various molecules Vitamin K initiates the attraction of Ca2+ and incorporation into the hydroxyapatite crystalline lattice. Of course with limited Vitamin K leads to a less developed bone matrix, and therefore lower bone mineral density, ultimately.
More specifically:
Osteoclasts are involved in the degredation of bone tissue which is greatly important to the process of bone modeling and remodeling. On the flip side, high levels of osteoclastic activity can result in the demineralization of our bone tissue and ultimately decrease our bone mineral density (BMD). Vitamin K plays an important role in regulating osteoclastic activity by controlling the synthesis and programmed death (apoptosis) of osteclasts.
Vitamin K is commonly thought of pertaining to blood coagulation, but there has been recent research indicating its vital role in bone growth and maintenance. Bone is composed of ratios of cortical and trabecular tissue with varying amounts of collagen and hydroxyapatite, depending on the bone itself. The matrix of hydroxyapatite is a crystalline lattice that provides rigidity to the bone structure. Through a mediated process and various molecules Vitamin K initiates the attraction of Ca2+ and incorporation into the hydroxyapatite crystalline lattice. Of course with limited Vitamin K leads to a less developed bone matrix, and therefore lower bone mineral density, ultimately.
More specifically:
Osteoclasts are involved in the degredation of bone tissue which is greatly important to the process of bone modeling and remodeling. On the flip side, high levels of osteoclastic activity can result in the demineralization of our bone tissue and ultimately decrease our bone mineral density (BMD). Vitamin K plays an important role in regulating osteoclastic activity by controlling the synthesis and programmed death (apoptosis) of osteclasts.
In addition to the regulation of bone resorption, vitamin K plays a significant role in bone formation and maintenance as well. Osteocalcin is a very important bone protein secreted by osteoblasts. This protein must be carboxylated in order to be utilized and implemented in our bone structure and aid in building our bone mineral density. Vitamin K is involved in a coupled reaction allowing the enzyme carboxylase to mediate the carboxylation of osteocalcin. Therefore, without the presence of Vitamin K bone remodeling does not occur and negatively affects our BMD.
Coupled reaction:
* Warafrin is an anticoagulant drug that blocks the reduction of Vitamin K. What we are intersted in is the entire coupled reaction that allows carboxylation of the protein.
Bugel S. Vitamin K and Bone Health. 2003. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15018483
All About Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a lipophillic, and therefore hydrophobic molecule. Vitamin K is commonly known for its role in blood coagulation, but serves an important role in bone metabolism as well. Several forms of Vitamin K exist including K1 and K2, as well as K3, 4, and 5, which are synthetic forms.
Vitamin K1, known as phylloquinone, is the dietary form found in various foods and supplements. K1 rich foods are green leafy vegetables such as spinach, chard, and broccoli, certain fruits such as avocados and kiwis, as well as various vegetable oils, most noteably soybean oil. The dietary reference intake (DRI) for vitamin K1 varies depending on age and gender. Adult males need 120 micrograms/day, while adult females need 90 micrograms/day. Vitamin K2, known as menaquinone, is a normal flora of the large intestine and deficiencies are rare. K2 can also be found in meat, eggs, and dairy products. The synthetic forms of Vitamin K (3-5) are found within pet foods and used for the inhibition of fungal growths. Allergic reactions may occur from supplementation, however toxicity is rare and there is currently no set tolerable upper intake level (UL).
Vitamin K1, known as phylloquinone, is the dietary form found in various foods and supplements. K1 rich foods are green leafy vegetables such as spinach, chard, and broccoli, certain fruits such as avocados and kiwis, as well as various vegetable oils, most noteably soybean oil. The dietary reference intake (DRI) for vitamin K1 varies depending on age and gender. Adult males need 120 micrograms/day, while adult females need 90 micrograms/day. Vitamin K2, known as menaquinone, is a normal flora of the large intestine and deficiencies are rare. K2 can also be found in meat, eggs, and dairy products. The synthetic forms of Vitamin K (3-5) are found within pet foods and used for the inhibition of fungal growths. Allergic reactions may occur from supplementation, however toxicity is rare and there is currently no set tolerable upper intake level (UL).
Friday, September 24, 2010
Vitamin K Intake and Bone Mineral Density in Men and Women
Introduction and Methods
There has been increasing evidence indicating a correlation between Vitamin K and bone mineral density, suggesting that proper intake decreases age-related bone loss. Phylloquinone (vitmain K1) is the dietary form of vitamin K and is generally contained within green vegetables and ceratin plant oils. Assessment of dietary intakes for various vitamins and minerals including Vitamin K, calcium, and Vitamin D was administered via a questionnaire and included food intake as well as supplementation. DEXA scans were used to assess bone mineral desnities within the hip and spine. Other variables considered were BMI, age-related risk factors for bone loss, physical activity, smoking, alcohol and caffeine intake, and menopause.
Results and Discussion
BMD in women comparing phylloquinone intakes from 10-1000 microg/dL:
Femoral neck: P = 0.0004
Trochanter: P = 0.005
Spine: P = 0.001
P value is significant at 0.05
Among women BMD were shown to be different across quartiles of phylloquinone intakes ranging from 13 micrograms/dL to 983 micrograms/dL. Within this group low levels of dietary vitamin K correlate with low BMD, however there was no difference shown among men.
Evidence in the curren study does show that higher levels of vitmain K associate with higher bone mineral densities in women. There have been conflcting studies with variances in methods that contribute to insufficient findings. The current research further suggests that higher levels of Vitamin K intake correlate with higher levels of calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, and an overall healthier diet.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/77/2/512?maxtoshow=&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=bone+health+AND+vitamin+K&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&resourcetype=HWCIT
There has been increasing evidence indicating a correlation between Vitamin K and bone mineral density, suggesting that proper intake decreases age-related bone loss. Phylloquinone (vitmain K1) is the dietary form of vitamin K and is generally contained within green vegetables and ceratin plant oils. Assessment of dietary intakes for various vitamins and minerals including Vitamin K, calcium, and Vitamin D was administered via a questionnaire and included food intake as well as supplementation. DEXA scans were used to assess bone mineral desnities within the hip and spine. Other variables considered were BMI, age-related risk factors for bone loss, physical activity, smoking, alcohol and caffeine intake, and menopause.
Results and Discussion
BMD in women comparing phylloquinone intakes from 10-1000 microg/dL:
Femoral neck: P = 0.0004
Trochanter: P = 0.005
Spine: P = 0.001
P value is significant at 0.05
Among women BMD were shown to be different across quartiles of phylloquinone intakes ranging from 13 micrograms/dL to 983 micrograms/dL. Within this group low levels of dietary vitamin K correlate with low BMD, however there was no difference shown among men.
Evidence in the curren study does show that higher levels of vitmain K associate with higher bone mineral densities in women. There have been conflcting studies with variances in methods that contribute to insufficient findings. The current research further suggests that higher levels of Vitamin K intake correlate with higher levels of calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, and an overall healthier diet.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/77/2/512?maxtoshow=&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=bone+health+AND+vitamin+K&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&resourcetype=HWCIT
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