Phytomenadione as a dietary supplement: Sources and health benefits

Abstract Globally, the consumption of dietary supplements such as vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and probiotics is on the increase. Phytomenadione, the dietary form of vitamin K though abundant in green leafy vegetables, is available as a dietary supplement under the trade name “Mephyton.” This supplement has been proposed to improve bone, heart and cognitive health, insulin sensitivity, and the stabilization of international normalized ratio (INR) in patients on warfarin. Phytomenadione is also claimed to find use in cosmetics. Despite the proposed benefits of phytomenadione supplement, serious adverse effects can be associated with its prolonged and unregulated consumption at high doses. To elucidate the potentials of phytomenadione as a supplement, more scientific investigations are needed to unravel its roles in health and well-being and to validate its health benefits.