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Fat Soluble Vitamin Profiles

Test overview

Vitamin K

The Many Functions of Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that functions as a cofactor in the production of blood coagulation factors (in the liver), osteocalcin (in bone), and matrix Gla-proteins (in cartilage and vessel walls), each resulting in the deposition of ionic calcium.

Monitoring vitamin K can help reduce risk of osteoporotic bone fractures, cardiovascular disease, and possibly some cancers by identifying individuals who may have a vitamin K deficiency. Since current dietary recommendations of vitamin K are based on saturation of the coagulation system, those recommendations may be insufficient to maintain vascular and bone health, since individual functions are independent of each other.

Vitamin K status is especially important in individuals:

With cardiovascular disease or those with a family history of arteriosclerosis
At high risk of bone loss, such as pre- and post- menopausal women or those with a family history of osteoporosis
On certain drug therapies, particularly blood thinners, such as warfarin or aspirin
On restricted dietsOn long-term antibiotic therapies

Direct vs. Functional Measurement of Vitamin K

The Metametrix Vitamin K Assay measures a functional marker, undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC).

Very little vitamin K is stored in the body therefore direct measurement is not ideal.

Osteocalcin (OC) is almost exclusively a product of mature, active osteoblasts and is a vitamin K-dependent, Ca+2 binding protein. A vitamin K deficiency is indicated by an ucOC increase in circulating blood and urine. Therefore, high ucOC indicates low vitamin K status.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins Profile – Serum

Vitamins: A Snapshot of Overall Nutrition

The Fat-Soluble Vitamins Profile is a great tool to gain an overall perspective of a patient’s health, nutrient processing, and dietary insufficiencies. Serum levels of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K plus beta-carotene and coenzyme Q10 are measured to evaluate total body status of these antioxidant nutrients.

What are the benefits of measuring all fat-soluble vitamins together?

Testing these nutrients together in one panel is important because nutrient functionality is dependent on the adequate supply of each nutrient. For bone health, taking vitamin D without adequate levels of vitamins A, E, and K may be detrimental since all are needed for proper bone calcification. Antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, CoQ10, and beta-carotene, help ensure proper oxidation-reduction chain reactions.

Vitamins measured include:

Vitamin A - specific maintenance roles have been reported for vision, bone growth, skin and mucosal integrity, spermatogenesis, as well as protection against cataracts, atherosclerosis, macular degeneration and cancer.
Vitamin D - "the sunshine vitamin", is necessary for maintaining blood levels of calcium and phosphorus for healthy teeth and bones. Vitamin D also plays a vital role in immune functions and is essential for reducing cancer risk and health maintenance.
Vitamin E - important free radical scavenger and protective antioxidant for membrane tissues, helping to stop damage to healthy cells. Both gamma and alpha tocopherol are reported to better assess oxidative stress and inflammation.
Vitamin K - important in the deposition of ionic calcium needed for proper blood coagulation and bone formation. Research finds Vitamin K to be a potential protector against osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, and possibly cancer.
Beta-carotene - serves as an important antioxidant in keeping cells healthy, and also serving as a pool that is converted to vitamin A when needed. Beta-carotene also helps to identify a healthy diet.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) allows food energy to be converted into cellular energy. Organs with the highest need for energy, such as the heart, lungs, and liver, require high levels of CoQ10. CoQ10 also protects cells from free radicals, helps with proper mitochondrial function, and is associated with cardiovascular health.