Chapter 35, Problem 11A

Summary Introduction

To explain:

Why a drug manufacturer might add vitamin K to some antibiotics in tablet or pill form.

Introduction:

Nutrition is the process by which a person can take in and uses food. Food supplies building blocks and energy to maintain body mass. The daily intake of energy from food should be equal to the amount of energy that a person uses daily. A calorie is a unit used to measure the energy content of the food.

Explanation of Solution

Vitamin K is produced by bacteria living in the large intestine. Sufficient quantities of this vitamin cannot be made by the body. Cephalosporin antibiotics enhance the absorption of vitamin K in the body. Long-term or more use of antibiotics can contribute to vitamin K deficiency as these medications can destroy not only harmful bacteria but also useful vitamin K-activating bacteria. This is most likely to occur in individuals who either have insufficient levels of vitamin K or are at risk of deficiency.

Conclusion

Thus, vitamin K is produced by bacteria living in the large intestine that maybe not sufficient for the body. Therefore, a drug manufacturer might add vitamin K to some antibiotics in tablet or pill form.