Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)
Vitamins
Overview
- Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is a fat-soluble micronutrient belonging to the vitamin K family.
- It is primarily obtained from plant sources.
- It serves as an essential co-factor for the γ-carboxylation of specific glutamate residues in proteins.
- This reaction is critical for the biological activity of several clotting factors and other calcium-binding proteins.
- Its principal physiological role is to enable normal blood coagulation.
- It supports the proper deposition of calcium in bone and vascular tissue.
Chemistry
- Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) has the molecular formula C₃₁H₄₆O₂ and a molecular weight of 450.7 g/mol.
- Its IUPAC name is (2E,4E,6E,8E,10E,12E,14E,16E)-2‑[3‑(4‑hydroxy‑3‑methoxyphenyl)propyl]‑3,7,11,15‑tetramethyl-2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16‑octaheptadienyl‑1‑hydroquinone.
- The structure consists of a 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone core with a phytyl side chain (a 20-carbon saturated hydrocarbon) attached at the C-3 position, and a 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl group at C-2.
- The quinone ring confers redox activity essential for the vitamin K cycle.
- The long lipophilic side chain facilitates membrane integration and transport via lipoproteins.
- Phylloquinone is lipophilic, poorly soluble in water, but readily soluble in organic solvents like ethanol, chloroform, and in oil-in-water emulsions used in supplements.
Sources & Quality
- Natural vitamin K1 is predominantly derived from green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, collard greens) and certain vegetable oils (soy, canola).
- Commercially, phylloquinone is extracted from plant sources via solvent extraction followed by purification through chromatography.
- An alternative, high-purity synthetic route involves condensation of a quinone core with a phytol side-chain under controlled conditions, yielding a product chemically identical to plant-derived phylloquinone.
- Quality-focused manufacturers employ HPLC and LC-MS validation to confirm ≥95 % purity, absence of heavy metals, and consistent vitamin activity.
- For supplements, micronized or emulsified formulations improve bioavailability.
- Manufacturers should provide batch-specific certificates of analysis and adhere to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) to ensure consistency and safety.
Where to Buy Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)
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