vitamin k

 Q: Vitamin K absorption requires which organ to be properly functional? (select one)

A) Pancreas

B) Kidney

 

Answer: A

Once oral Vitamin K is taken its absorption requires three properly working functions:

• pancreatic 
• biliary 
• fat absorption

Vitamin K is protein-bound as it reaches the intestine. Pancreatic enzymes in the small intestine through proteolytic action cleave vitamin K from protein. Once liberated, vitamin K solubilizes into mixed micelles by bile salts. These mixed micelles get absorbed into enterocytes, where they are incorporated into chylomicrons, facilitating absorption into the intestinal lymphatics and portal circulation.

#GI

#vitamins

#hematology

Reference:

1. Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc (2000). National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2000. p. 162-196 http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?isbn=0309072794 (Accessed on April 29, 2021)