Vitamin K3

[RoughCollies]

Menadione (Vitamin K3)
One of the more obscure ingredients found in many pet foods are menadione derivatives - in the form of menadione sodium bisulfate, menadione sodium bisulfite or menadione dimethylpyrimidinol bisulfite, often listed as "a source of vitamin K activity" or "vitamin K supplement". Unless otherwise noted, these compounds are summarily referred to as "menadione" in this article to make it easier to read.

What is it?
Menadione, also known as vitamin K3, is a synthetic version of vitamin K. The natural occuring compounds are vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone, from plant sources) and Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone, synthesized by bacteria in the digestive tract and absorbed by the body). Technically menadione isn't even a vitamin, but a precursor that is converted in the body after ingestion. Natural vitamin K is fat soluble, while menadione derivatives (pure menadione can not be processed) are water soluble and bypass the natural pathway of utilization by the body.

Why is it added to pet food?
Menadione is added as an inexpensive vitamin K supplement in commercial foods. The common statement as to why it is added is "to help with blood clotting", yet it is scientifically proven that the effectivity of menadione on blood clotting is inferior. Even veterinarians will administer vitamin K1 as an antidote to dogs who have for example ingested rat poison, which causes internal bleeding.

Manufacturers who use menadione in their products also like to claim that it is "more stable" than natural vitamin K and has "more nutritional value". Not a single one of them has acknowledged the scientifically proven side effects of this substance.

It is simple to come to a conclusion about the truth in these statements when you consider that

not all pet food companies add menadione to their foods and dogs have eaten these products for years without developing deficiencies
the National Research Council was not able to demonstrate a dietary requirement for vitamin K in dogs during tests when natural ingredients were fed and
fish meals, liver and green plant supplements (e.g. alfalfa, kelp and other seaweed, nettle leaf, blue-green algae, spirulina) are rich sources of natural vitamin K.
Why is it bad?
It has been difficult for me to compose this article in English, since I had to translate most of my information from literature originally written in German. My search for relevant, unbiased sources in English was not very successful, with exception of some obscure references and texts that provided some information but do not include all the facts. There were also many articles written by authors who didn't even have the basic knowledge to differentiate between vtiamin K1, K2 and K3.

Here is a list of effects of menadione on the body. It is incomplete, since I was simply not able to translate the more complicated scientific phrases into proper English:

causes cytotoxicity in liver cells
causes formation of radicals from enzymes of leucocytes, with the consequence of cytotoxic reactions
considerably weakens the immune system
possible mutagenic effects
damages the natural vitamin K cycle
has no effect on coumarin derivatives, which are often present in commercial food due to mold contamination (toxic when ingested)
causes hemolytic anemia and hyperbilirubinemia, not just linked to large doses
disturbs the level of calcium ions (Ca2+) in the body, which is an important factor fibrinolysis
is directly toxic in high doses (vomiting, albuminuria), unlike natural vitamin K
builds up in tissue and has been detected in eggs, meat and milk of animals supplemented with menadione derivatives
causes irritation of skin and mucous membranes
causes allergic reactions and eczema

[RoughCollies]

I am looking for a list of which foods have this in it. I have already emailed Natural Balance.

He.ll hath no fury, lol.

[mara]

We use Vitamen K1 in humans who need reversal of Warfarin which is given very frequently for blood clots.

[Sheltiemama]

Thanks Rough Collies,

I've been screaming about this same ingredient for months now. I too have emailed Natural Balance and though it was several weeks ago I have received no reply. I also called the Nutro Natural company and asked why they were putting it into their foods. The representative just made nice with me and said that the vets and nutritionists say that there isn't enough of the stuff to harm a dog and that I was probably mistaken about it weakening the immune system. What I would like to know is if it's even questionable why has AAFCO allowed it in manufactured pet foods?

So far this is the list of foods I know have Menadione, it's not complete for sure but I have checked these brands out myself and found it in the ingredients lists.
Natural Balance
Nutro Natural (all brands)
Nutro Maxi
Blue Buffalo

[mara]

Odd--if they say there's not enough in the food to harm a dog does it really offer any benifits. If a bit too much could harm a dog--don't put it in!!!

[RoughCollies]

Mara - WONDERFULLY put! Couldn't have said it better.

[RoughCollies]

The only problem is that I have been searching for two years for the perfect food for my dog. Late this summer, I found Natural Balance. My dog, for those who don't know, has a lot of stomach problems. She throws up on many brands, her acid reflux kicks in on everything. She throws up because the food has too much in it, etc. My vet told me to go basic. She recommended a fish diet for her coat, etc. This food is AMAZING! My dog has virtually no problems on it. She rarely throws up and I've even been able to down size her meds dosage. So... do I go back to the drawing boards over a potential problem, or stick with the only thing that really works for her? UGH!

[Sheltiemama]

Hi Rough Collies

Have you tried Acidophilus for her stomach? She may have an imbalance of probiotic enzymes. They tell me that this can cause all kinds of health issues. We are dealing with allergies here, so I don't know about acid reflux or stomach ailments, it was just a thought. Even if it doesn't help her, it sure won't hurt her to be on it for a while to see.

[RoughCollies]

Here was my response.

In response to you e-mail, we do currently use Vitamin K3 in our Sweet
Potato and Fish, as well as other formulas, however due to the growing
request of customers we are replacing the use of vitamin K3 with a more
natural source in the very near future. If this is a concern of yours,
please be aware that this is something we here at Natural Balance have
taken
into consideration. We strive to make our formulas the best they can
be for
our companions. Please be on the look out for this soon to occur
change.

[RoughCollies]

any thoughts on what I should do? If they say they are switching it, should I still switch foods? Should I go RAW?