title: [Vitamin K-controlled diet: problems and prospects].
abstract: Different natural (phylloquinone and menaquinone) and synthetic (menadione) compounds carry out the same action of Vitamin K in the human body. Vitamin K is a substrate for the enzyme catalysing the posttranslational conversion of specific glutamyl residues to gamma-carboxyglutamyl residues in certain proteins connected with the coagulation (Factors II, VII, IX, X), the anticoagulation (Proteins C and S) and other organic functions (osteocalcin). Foods rich in Vitamin K (1/4) and the action of gut bacteria (3/4) can give rise to changes in Vitamin K status. Dietary factors, alterations of gut bacteria or/and troubles in the absorption of this vitamin can cause a lack, which at first interferes in the normal hemostatic function and later on it leads to modifications in the bone structure. Therefore, it is necessary to pay a lot of attention to dietary intake, adequacy, bioavailability, absorption and metabolism of Vitamin K and compounds with an action similar to it for understanding the signs of lack, choosing the most suitable therapy and managing accurately the coumarin-based oral anticoagulants.
authors.affiliation: Centro di Ricerca in Nutrizione Umana, Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica S. Cuore, Roma, Italia.
authors.forename: G A D
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Miggiano
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Robilotta
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects; D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D003374:Coumarins / Q000009:adverse effects; D004032:Diet; D006801:Humans; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D014812:Vitamin K / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents; D003374:Coumarins; D014812:Vitamin K; C030123:coumarin