Chemical structures and descriptions

Vitamin K

K

What is measured?

Synonyms: Vitamin K1, phylloquinone.
Phylloquinone and menaquinone-4 (a K2 vitamer).
Method(s): LC-MS/MS (1).

What is vitamin K?

Vitamin K exists in multiple forms, which are 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives. Phylloquinone is the principal form found in green leafy vegetables. Menaquinone-4 (MK-4) is present in animal feed and is also formed from dietary phylloquinone. Both serve as cofactors for the carboxylation of vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs), which include coagulation factors, osteocalcin and bone and matrix Gla proteins. Vitamin K has multiples roles beyond coagulation, and has been investigated in relation to chronic diseases, including osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease (2, 3).

Indication(s)

Assessment of vitamin K status.

Specimen, collection and processing

Patient/subject: Over night fasting is recommended, since plasma phylloquinone fluctuates in accordance with recent dietary intakes, and it is closely correlated with triglyceride concentrations. The subject must abstain form alcohol for 24 hours before blood draw.
Matrix: Serum or EDTA plasma. Avoid hemolysis.
Volume: Minimum volume is 50 µL, but 200 µL is optimal and allows reanalysis.
Preparation and stability: Serum gel tubes must not be used. Samples should be put on ice, and protected from light.

Transportation

Protected from light, frozen, on dry ice (for general instruction on transportation, click here)

Reported values, interpretation

Reported values, phylloquinone: 0.5-20 nmol/L.
Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC): 0.49.

Literature

1. Midttun, Ø., McCann, A., Aarseth, O., Krokeide, M., Kvalheim, G., Meyer, K., and Ueland, P.M. (2016). Combined measurement of 6 fat-soluble vitamins and 26 water-soluble functional vitamin markers and amino acids in 50 μL of serum or plasma by high-throughput mass spectrometry. Anal Chem 88, 10427-436.
2. Fusaro, M., Gallieni, M., Rizzo, M.A., Stucchi, A., Delanaye, P., Cavalier, E., Moysés, R.M.A., Jorgetti, V., Iervasi, G., et al. (2017). Vitamin K plasma levels determination in human health. Clin Chem Lab Med 55, 789-799.
3. Mladěnka, P., Macáková, K., Kujovská Krčmová, L., Javorská, L., Mrštná, K., Carazo, A. et al. (2021). Vitamin K – sources, physiological role, kinetics, deficiency, detection, therapeutic use, and toxicity. Nutr Rev, nuab061.

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Per Christian Eriksen

Øivind

Per Magne Ueland has been Professor at the University of Bergen 1987-2018. He is one of the founders of Bevital AS and the scientific advisor in Bevital since 2023. His interests includes biomarkers related to nutrition, inflammation, ageing and life-style related chronic diseases. Per is committed to the development of precise, high-throughput mass spectrometry methods, tailored for metabolic profiling of biobank specimens from large cohorts.

Ove completed his education in Biomedical Science at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, supplemented by specialized training in Electrical Engineering and Electronics at the Royal Norwegian Naval Training Establishment and the National Institute of Technology. With many years of experience as a biomedical scientist in hospital laboratories—specializing primarily in microbiology—he brings a unique blend of clinical and technical expertise to his work. Ove focuses on the design and prototyping of electronics, as well as the service and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation, ensuring that technical equipment and workflows remain precise and reliable for research-focused activities.

Lena holds a master`s degree in biology from the University in Bergen. At Bevital she works with LC-MS/MS anlyses focusing on accurate and reliable testing of biological samples. She is dedicated to ensuring precise and high-quality results that contribute to reliable scientific outcomes and support ongoing research efforts.

Marit holds a degree in chemical engineering from Bergen Ingeniørhøyskole, which is now part of the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. She works with quantitative analysis and method development on LC-MS/MS at the laboratory of Bevital AS.

Randi holds a Master of Science in Chemical Process Engineering from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). She has been part of Bevital since its very beginning, contributing her expertise primarily to the LC-MS/MS platforms, but also to the microbiological assays. In 2021, she stepped into the role of Manager/CEO, where she is dedicated to strengthening Bevital’s innovative profile and ensuring the company’s continued growth and success. She is especially motivated by advancing research that improves health insights and by fostering collaboration that drives scientific and technological progress.

Ove completed a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Laboratory Sciences at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences in Bergen. With extensive experience in method development and expertise in GC-MS/MS, he specializes in optimizing analytical techniques for research-focused studies. At Bevital, Ove is dedicated to advancing laboratory methods and workflows, contributing to innovative research through precise and reliable analytical solutions.

Lene holds a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Laboratory Science from the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, where she is also completing her master’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, expected to graduate in 2026. Her master’s thesis focuses on method validation in fatty acid analysis. At Bevital, she works with GC-MS/MS analyses, routinely performing SCFA measurements and emphasizing accurate and reliable testing of biological samples. With her strong laboratory background, Lene is committed to delivering high-quality results that support medical research.

Klaus earned his PhD in physics from the University of Münster in Germany. For more than thirty years he has specialized in Time‑of‑Flight mass spectrometry, contributing innovative approaches to SNP genotyping and protein quantification. Together with his colleague Lene Njåstad, he oversees Bevital’s Olink Proteomics service. He also leads Bevital’s website and media design efforts, ensuring a clear and informative public presence.

Adrian holds a PhD in diabetes research, along with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biomedical science and public health, respectively. With over 20 years of experience in laboratory science, he leads high-precision metabolite analyses and method development at Bevital. His expertise centers on quantifying biomarkers, metabolite classes, and metabolic pathways related to nutrition, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Adrian is committed to advancing research quality and actively collaborates nationally and internationally, leveraging targeted metabolomics to support innovative, multidisciplinary research.

Statistical power is the probability that a statistical test will correctly reject a false null hypothesis (H0​) when a specific alternative hypothesis (H1​) is true. H0​ is the null hypothesis, which states there is no effect or no difference. H1​ is the alternative hypothesis, which states there is a real effect or difference. Alpha (α) is the probability of a Type I error (a false positive), which is the risk of incorrectly rejecting the H0​ when it is actually true. You set this value before the experiment, commonly at 0.05. Beta (β) is the probability of a Type II error (a false negative), which is the risk of failing to reject the H0​ when it is actually false.

Power is calculated as 1−β. Increasing power means you are decreasing the probability of making a Type II error.

Several factors can be adjusted to increase the power of a statistical test:

  • Effect Size: This is the magnitude of the difference you are trying to detect. A larger effect size is easier to detect, thus increasing power. 

  • Sample Size: The number of observations in a study. A larger sample size provides more information about the population, reducing the margin of error and increasing the power to detect a true effect.

  • Variation: Refers to the spread or standard deviation of the data within the population. Less variation makes it easier to distinguish a real effect from random noise, thereby increasing power.

  • Alpha (): Increasing the alpha level (e.g., from 0.05 to 0.10) also increases power, but at the cost of a higher risk of a Type I error. This trade-off is often undesirable.

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561.

Chambers, J C; Ueland, P M; Wright, M; Doré, C J; Refsum, H; Kooner, J S

Investigation of relationship between reduced, oxidized, and protein-bound homocysteine and vascular endothelial function in healthy human subjects Journal Article

In: Circ Res, vol. 89, no. 2, pp. 187–192, 2001, ISSN: 1524-4571.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

562.

Guttormsen, A B; Ueland, P M; Kruger, W D; Kim, C E; Ose, L; Følling, I; Refsum, H

Disposition of homocysteine in subjects heterozygous for homocystinuria due to cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency: relationship between genotype and phenotype Journal Article

In: Am J Med Genet, vol. 100, no. 3, pp. 204–213, 2001, ISSN: 0148-7299.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

563.

El-Khairy, L; Ueland, P M; Refsum, H; Graham, I M; and, S E Vollset

Plasma total cysteine as a risk factor for vascular disease: The European Concerted Action Project Journal Article

In: Circulation, vol. 103, no. 21, pp. 2544–2549, 2001, ISSN: 1524-4539.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

564.

Ueland, P M; Hustad, S; Schneede, J; Refsum, H; Vollset, S E

Biological and clinical implications of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism Journal Article

In: Trends Pharmacol Sci, vol. 22, no. 4, pp. 195–201, 2001, ISSN: 0165-6147.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

565.

Nurk, E; Tell, G S; Nygård, O; Refsum, H; Ueland, P M; Vollset, S E

Plasma total homocysteine is influenced by prandial status in humans: the Hordaland Hhomocysteine Sstudy Journal Article

In: J Nutr, vol. 131, no. 4, pp. 1214–1216, 2001, ISSN: 0022-3166.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

566.

Vollset, S E; Refsum, H; Ueland, P M

Population determinants of homocysteine Miscellaneous

2001, ISSN: 0002-9165.

Links | BibTeX

567.

Dekou, V; Whincup, P; Papacosta, O; Ebrahim, S; Lennon, L; Ueland, P M; Refsum, H; Humphries, S E; Gudnason, V

The effect of the C677T and A1298C polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene on homocysteine levels in elderly men and women from the British regional heart study Journal Article

In: Atherosclerosis, vol. 154, no. 3, pp. 659–666, 2001, ISSN: 0021-9150.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

568.

Ueland, P M; Nygård, O; Vollset, S E; Refsum, H

The Hordaland Homocysteine Studies Journal Article

In: Lipids, vol. 36 Suppl, pp. S33–S39, 2001, ISSN: 0024-4201.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

569.

Bolann, B J; Solli, J D; Schneede, J; Grøttum, K A; Loraas, A; Stokkeland, M; Stallemo, A; Schjøth, A; Bie, R B; Refsum, H; Ueland, P M

Evaluation of indicators of cobalamin deficiency defined as cobalamin-induced reduction in increased serum methylmalonic acid Journal Article

In: Clin Chem, vol. 46, no. 11, pp. 1744–1750, 2000, ISSN: 0009-9147.

Abstract | BibTeX

570.

Chambers, J C; Ueland, P M; Obeid, O A; Wrigley, J; Refsum, H; Kooner, J S

Improved vascular endothelial function after oral B vitamins: An effect mediated through reduced concentrations of free plasma homocysteine Journal Article

In: Circulation, vol. 102, no. 20, pp. 2479–2483, 2000, ISSN: 1524-4539.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

571.

Louwman, M W; van Dusseldorp, M; van de Vijver, F J; Thomas, C M; Schneede, J; Ueland, P M; Refsum, H; van Staveren, W A

Signs of impaired cognitive function in adolescents with marginal cobalamin status Journal Article

In: Am J Clin Nutr, vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 762–769, 2000, ISSN: 0002-9165.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

572.

Hustad, S; Ueland, P M; Vollset, S E; Zhang, Y; Bjørke-Monsen, A L; Schneede, J

Riboflavin as a determinant of plasma total homocysteine: effect modification by the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism Journal Article

In: Clin Chem, vol. 46, no. 8 Pt 1, pp. 1065–1071, 2000, ISSN: 0009-9147.

Abstract | BibTeX

573.

Ueland, P M; Refsum, H; Beresford, S A; Vollset, S E

The controversy over homocysteine and cardiovascular risk Journal Article

In: Am J Clin Nutr, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 324–332, 2000, ISSN: 0002-9165.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

574.

Nexo, E; Engbaek, F; Ueland, P M; Westby, C; O'Gorman, P; Johnston, C; Kase, B F; Guttormsen, A B; Alfheim, I; McPartlin, J; Smith, D; Møller, J; Rasmussen, K; Clarke, R; Scott, J M; Refsum, H

Evaluation of novel assays in clinical chemistry: quantification of plasma total homocysteine Journal Article

In: Clin Chem, vol. 46, no. 8 Pt 1, pp. 1150–1156, 2000, ISSN: 0009-9147.

Abstract | BibTeX

575.

Mudd, S H; Finkelstein, J D; Refsum, H; Ueland, P M; Malinow, M R; Lentz, S R; Jacobsen, D W; Brattström, L; Wilcken, B; Wilcken, D E; Blom, H J; Stabler, S P; Allen, R H; Selhub, J; Rosenberg, I H

Homocysteine and its disulfide derivatives: a suggested consensus terminology Journal Article

In: Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, vol. 20, no. 7, pp. 1704–1706, 2000, ISSN: 1079-5642.

Links | BibTeX

576.

Vollset, S E; Refsum, H; Irgens, L M; Emblem, B M; Tverdal, A; Gjessing, H K; Monsen, A L; Ueland, P M

Plasma total homocysteine, pregnancy complications, and adverse pregnancy outcomes: the Hordaland Homocysteine study Journal Article

In: Am J Clin Nutr, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 962–968, 2000, ISSN: 0002-9165.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

577.

Lien, E A; Nedrebø, B G; Varhaug, J E; Nygård, O; Aakvaag, A; Ueland, P M

Plasma total homocysteine levels during short-term iatrogenic hypothyroidism Journal Article

In: J Clin Endocrinol Metab, vol. 85, no. 3, pp. 1049–1053, 2000, ISSN: 0021-972X.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

578.

Vollset, S E; Nygârd, O; Refsum, H; Ueland, P M

Coffee and homocysteine Miscellaneous

2000, ISSN: 0002-9165.

Links | BibTeX

579.

Schneede, J; Refsum, H; Ueland, P M

Biological and environmental determinants of plasma homocysteine Journal Article

In: Semin Thromb Hemost, vol. 26, no. 3, pp. 263–279, 2000, ISSN: 0094-6176.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

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