Vitamin K3 is often added to pet foods to increase their nutritional value.
Vitamin K3, also known as menadione, is a synthetic supplement that acts as a precursor to vitamin K2, the most useful form of vitamin K for the human body. Since menadione contains some vitamin K activity, it is commonly added to livestock feed and some pet foods to increase nutrient content. The use of vitamin K3 supplements in most developed countries is prohibited due to its possible side effects, such as damage to internal organs such as the kidneys or liver. Research on vitamin K3 has shown that it has some effect in fighting certain types of cancer, but research on human safety remains inconclusive.
Research on cancer prevention with menadione shows promise in future treatment strategies for prostate cancer.
Menadione is a form of synthetic vitamin K, often sold as a supplement for its vitamin K-promoting activity. The synthetic version of vitamin K is often called vitamin K3, after its natural forms, vitamin K1, which is found in green leafy vegetables. vitamin K2, which is synthesized from bacteria. While vitamin K is needed in large amounts for proper bone and blood health, the K3 version may not be a suitable alternative for humans. Safety concerns include damage to internal organs such as the kidneys and liver.
Vitamin K3 may have anti-cancer benefits, especially when combined with vitamin C.
Although menadione for human consumption is banned in most economically developed countries, it is still used in animal feed to help increase the amount of nutrients. Some critics propose that K3-induced organ damage can also occur in animals, but research remains inconclusive. Vitamins K3 are sometimes found in dog foods and pet foods as a cheaper alternative to natural forms of vitamin K, such as vitamin K1 and K2. Pet owners looking to avoid the synthetic form of this vitamin often opt for natural or organic pet foods, which contain only naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals.
Vitamin K3 supplements are banned in most developed countries due to dangerous side effects.
Ongoing research on vitamin K3 has shown that it may have some anticancer benefits, especially when combined with vitamin C. Internal effects on other aspects of health, such as the lungs, kidneys, or liver, have yet to be determined. determined, and many researchers do not know all the benefits it may have for human health. Some types of skin cancer can be treated or prevented with a topical form of vitamin K3, but this has not been proven. Almost all research on cancer prevention with menadione shows inconclusive results but shows promise for future prevention or treatment strategies for skin or prostate cancer.