In this section, you will learn the sources, functions, and deficiency symptoms of vitamin E and K. Vitamin E and K you know are included In fat-soluble vitamins. Both these vitamins are present in food containing fats, so therefore you can get these vitamins from your diet. Besides their sources and functions in the section, you will also learn their chemical names. Now let’s know the sources, functions, and deficiency symptoms of vitamins E and K.
Vitamin E
Chemical name:
The chemical name of vitamin E is Tocopherols. In adults, its daily requirement is approximately 8 to 10mg.
Sources
Sources of vitamin E are as follows:
- Green vegetables
- Egg yolk
- Butter
- Cheese
- Nuts
- Kiwi
- Pumpkin
- Almonds
- Peanuts
- Spinach
- Sunflower seeds
- Sunflower oil
- Soybean oil
- Beet greens
- Red bell pepper
- Safflower oil
- Collard greens
Functions
As far as the function of vitamin E is concerned, it supports the immune system. It also acts as an antioxidant in your body. It enables your body to utilize vitamin K. Different cells in your body also use vitamin E to interact with each other. Vitamin E assists in the formation of red blood cells. It also has wide blood vessels to keep blood from clotting inside your body. It keeps your blood cells healthy and nerves functioning properly
Deficiency symptoms
Vitamin E deficiency symptoms involve:
- Anemia
- Visual problems
- Nerve damage
- Muscles damage
- Loss of body movement control
- A genetic condition known as ataxia generally causes due to Vitamin E deficiency, which affects muscle control
- Retinopathy (Destroying the retina of the eyes that can impair vision) and peripheral neuropathy (Damage to the peripheral nerves) result from the deficiency of Vitamin E.
- Skeletal myopathy
Treatment of vitamin E deficiency
If you have a deficiency of vitamin E, you should increase your intake of green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts, cereals, and vegetable oils. An adult in normal condition needs 15mg of vitamin E per day. Eggs and fatty meals will increase vitamin E absorption from foodstuffs. In order to increase your vitamin status, you should take vitamin-C-rich foods for example kiwi, tomato, strawberries, citrus fruits, etc.
Vitamin K
Chemical name:
The chemical name of vitamin K is phylloquinone. In adults, its daily requirement is about 0.03mg/kg of body weight.
Vitamin K Sources
Sources of vitamin K are as under:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Butter
- Cow’s milk
- Liver
- Canola oil
- Soybean oil
- Fortified meal replacement shakes
- Kale and spinach
- Broccoli
- Turnip
- Cabbage
- Eggs
- Strawberries
Deficiency symptoms Of Vitamin K:
Vitamin K deficiency symptoms involve:
- Slow blood clotting
- Poor bone development
- Osteoporosis
- Oozing from gums or nose
- Hemorrhage of a newly born baby
- Bleeding into the skin resulting in bruises
Treatment of vitamin K deficiency
If you have vitamin K deficiency, you should take a vitamin K supplement known as phytonadione. Formely the supplement is taken orally, but if you are not able to absorb the supplement by mouth, you can take it through injections.
Functions
The major function of vitamin K is to make different proteins that are required for blood clotting. Osteocalcin is a type of protein that is produced by vitamin K. This protein is involved in the production of healthy bone tissues. Another protein prothrombin which is a vitamin K-dependent protein directly takes part in blood clotting.