Difference Between Vitamin K and Potassium

Vitamin K is a fats soluble vitamin which is a spinoff of 2-methilo-naphthoquinone. There are three widespread types of vitamin K, K1, K2 and K3. K1 (phytonadione, phylloquinone) and K2 (menaquinones) may be synthesized by pure bacterial flora of the intestines. Phylloquinone is of plant origin and the predominant type in weight-reduction plan. Vitamin K2 happens in hen egg yolk, butter, cow liver and many others. Vitamin K isn’t saved by the physique a lot. Small quantities get deposited within the liver and within the bones to cowl wants for a couple of days. The vitamin is required for blood coagulation.

Potassium is a mineral wanted for correct upkeep of cardiac tissues. It’s a main electrolyte and its means to exist as ions is very essential in nerve conduction and ion dependant transport. This needs to be equipped from weight-reduction plan and older individuals are at larger threat of deficiency associated ailments.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is concerned within the carboxylation of glutamate residues in proteins and type gamma-carboxyglutamate residues and therefore wanted for these proteins which want this perform to be biologically lively. A few of them embody coagulation facotrs II (prothrombin), VII (proconvertin), IX (Christmas issue), X (Stuart issue), protein C, protein S and a growth-arrest-specific issue (Gas6). The first identified perform of vitamin K is within the regular clotting of blood, however it’s also useful in regular bone calcification. With out Vitamin K, carboxylation isn’t potential and therefore the proteins stay biologically inactive.

The vitamin can be wanted for bone metabolism in carboxylation of osteocalcin. Excessive serum concentrations of undercarboxylated osteocalcin and low serum concentrations of vitamin K are indicative of diminished bone mineral density. It additionally will increase the danger of hip fracture. Vitamin K prevents calcification of arteries in addition to different delicate tissues which is a consequence of growing older. It additionally has a task in upkeep of blood sugar degree. The pancreas has the second highest quantity of vitamin K within the physique.

The deficiency is uncommon and can happen on account of antibiotics, in newborns and attributable to impaired absorption.

Potassium

Potassium is present in meat, some fish sorts, fruits and greens. The mineral has essential roles in human physique and its deficiency causes the situation referred to as hypokalemia. Extra can be harmful and ends in hyperkalemia. An excessive amount of sodium within the weight-reduction plan can worsen the deficiency of potassium.

Older individuals have a better threat of deficiency associated signs as a result of impaired functioning of the kidneys and incapacity to excrete the mineral effectively. Some medicines equivalent to diuretics, ACE inhibitors and Non steroidal Anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) additionally have an effect on the extent of potassium within the physique. Low ranges of potassium additionally enhance the poisonous results of medicines equivalent to digoxin.

Comparability of Vitamin K and Potassium

The main similarity among the many two is the title. The abbreviation K stands for Potassium for these exterior the medical area and vitamin K receives the identical impact inside the drugs studies. Somewhat false impression of the 2 and the affected person might erroneously get the incorrect remedy. That is significantly extreme in instances the place both has been misplaced. Intravenous vitamin K administration can lead to undesirable penalties.

Other than the letter ‘K’ there isn’t any different similarity between the 2. The vitamin K is a vitamin whereas potassium is a mineral. Excessive doses of vitamin K are usually not so extreme besides in instances the place the individual is run anticoagulants. Excessive doses of potassium however may be deadly additionally inflicting low blood strain, psychological confusion and finally coronary heart assault. The drug is contraindicated for these with dehydration, warmth cramps, ulcers, kidney illness or who’re taking medication which trigger the kidney to retain potassium.