Introduction:
Vitamin K3, also known as menadione, is a synthetic supplement that acts as a precursor for vitamin K2, the most useful form of vitamin K for the human body. Since menadione contains some vitamin K activity, it is commonly placed in livestock feed and some pet food to increase nutrient content. Menaphthone vitamin K3 derived from the fermented soy product natto has a higher bioavailability than vitamin K1.
Effect & Application:
Vitamin K3 can be used as animal pharmaceuticals and feed additives in manufacturing feeding stuffs and synthetic intermediates, mainly for poultry and swine. It functions as follow:
--To assist in the treatment of haemorrhagic-type disease, namely coccidiosis, preventing the haemorrhagic consequences brought about by the administration of sulpha drugs and antibiotics which suppress the fermentation of intestinal bacterial flora and reduce the endogenous bacterial synthesis of vitamin K;
--To prevent and retard calcification of blood vessels, prevent the arterioscleroses caused by calcification, promote the formation of thrombin, accelerate blood clotting, and maintain proper clotting time and proper bone calcification;
--To promote the detoxification of liver, prevent and cure hepatic fibrosis, live cancer and lung cancer;
--Lack of Vitamin K3 in chicks infected with eimeria species sharply increases the rate of mortality and this is true also in case of mild or subclinical infections. Sufficient adding of vitamin K3 in feed can promote healthy growth and nutrition, especially under stress condition;
--Research on vitamin K3 has shown that it has some effects in combating certain types of cancer, yet research in regards to human safety remains inconclusive.
