Vitamin K3 molecule. Computer model showing the structure of a molecule of vitamin K3, also called menadione. Atoms are represented as spheres: carbon

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Vitamin K3 molecule. Computer model showing the structure of a molecule of vitamin K3, also called menadione. Atoms are represented as spheres: carbon (large, grey), hydrogen (small, grey) and oxygen (red). Menadione is a provitamin, a precursor to vitamin K2. Due to its high toxicity, its use as a nutritional supplement for vitamin K has been banned in most countries. Large doses can cause haemolytic anaemia (the destruction of red blood cells) in adults and brain damage, liver damage and even death in neonatal babies. However, low doses of menadione are still used in many countries as an inexpensive micronutrient supplement for livestock.

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Size: 2520px × 3485px
Photo credit: © RAMON ANDRADE 3DCIENCIA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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