Posts Tagged ‘Deficiency’

Vitamin K – Helps in Blood Clotting and prevents hemorrhages

Vitamin K is a group of vitamins that help in blood clotting and also in proper functioning of liver. It is a fat soluble vitamin. It helps to prevent hemorrhages. Vitamin K is made up in colon by intestinal bacteria. Vitamin K is also important for the production of protein called prothrombin. Hemorrhages occur because there is a fall in prothrombin which is helpful in blood clotting.
There are two forms in which Vitamin K exists. One is Vitamin K1 which occurs only in plants, yellow oil, slightly soluble in water and soluble in fat solvents. Another Vitamin K2 is also found to be produced by many bacteria.

CHARACTERISTICS OF VITAMIN K
- No effect of light.
- No effect of heat.
- No effect on exposure to air.
- Destroyed by strong acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents, x-rays, radiation.
- Absorbed with fat and passed through lymphatic system.

FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN K IN BODY
- Vitamin K helps in blood clotting.
- Vitamin K prevents hemorrhages.
- Vitamin K helps in the absorption of calcium.
- The hardening of arteries is prevented by vitamin K.
- Vitamin K prevents heart disease.
- Vitamin K prevents heart failure.
- Vitamin K is also important for proper functioning of liver.
- Vitamin K helps in the reduction of menstrual flow.
- Vitamin K helps in osteoporosis.

The best sources of Vitamin K are green leafy vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, spinach. It is also present in yogurt, soy beans. Cow’s milk is better source than human milk.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS OF VITAMIN K
- Damage to brain of new born.
- Bleeding of nose.
- Heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Takes lot of time in blood clotting.
- Anemia.
Avoid a great amount of vitamin K because it may lead to liver problems or jaundice in kids.

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Boron which helps in tumor, cysts. Copper which converts iron into haemoglobin

Boron is considered to be an essential mineral that is used by the plants. Boron is not found alone, it is always found in combination with other chemicals. It is considered to be a non-metallic element. It is absorbed through intestine and excreted in urine. The functions of boron in body include:
- regulate the use of calcium.
- regulate the use of phosphorous.
- regulate the use of magnesium.
- it controls growth of the cells.
- Growth abnormalities are prevented.
The deficiency of boron can result in tumors, cysts and abnormal growth. The main sources of boron are fruits, vegetables like carrots, apples, pears.

Many enzymes constitute of copper and found in combination with many proteins. Copper is absorbed at the duodenum level of intestine. When copper is in excess, it is excreted in bile. The main functions of copper are:
- it converts iron into hemoglobin.
- the growth of red blood cells is stimulated.
- essential mineral for vitamin C.
- part of digestive enzyme.
The deficiency of copper can cause:
- weakness.
- problems in digestion.
- problems in respiration.
- chronic diarrhea which later develops into anemia in infants.
Failure of copper absorption leads to:
- mental retardation
- failure to change hair that has become brittle.
- low concentration in plasma and liver.
- prevent arthritis.
- strengthens muscular system.
Some good sources of copper are molluscs and shellfish, betel leaves arecanuts and other nuts. The content of copper is more in soft water than hard water. Similarly, tap water has a higher copper content than the water in the reservoir, which in turn, is a better source of copper than stream water.
If copper is taken into excess, it can be poisonous and can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea with some abdominal pain.