Many forms of vitamin KVitamin K is in fact not a single vitaminbut a group of vitamins with a similarstructure and resulting action. Two formsof vitamin K that you may be familiar withare phylloquinone (or vitamin K1) andmenaquinone (or vitamin K2)…

Vitamin K, which is classified as a fat soluble vitamin, has been present in racing rations for many years, both in forages and as one of a range of vitamins and minerals added to concentrate feed. To date, vitamin K has not been a fashionable vitamin, unlike vitamin C or vitamin E, which have received a lot of attention from a research perspective. Vitamin K is probably best known for its function in blood clotting, but more recently its role in bone metabolism has been highlighted in humans and horses. Here we will explain the role of dietary vitamin K in the context of racing and touch on some new research that has emerged in horses with respect to bone metabolism.

By Catherine Dunnett Bsc, Phd

First Published - (02 February 2011 - Issue 19)

North American Article Index

Vitamin K – the forgotten vitamin

Trainer Magazine