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The Role of Vitamin K and Calcium in Coagulation Cascade

  • Writer: Mayta
    Mayta
  • Nov 22, 2023
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jan 23, 2024

Ca 2 9 10 11/ II, IX, X, and XI. Vitamin K 2 7 9 10/ II, VII, IX, and X.



Understanding Calcium and Vitamin K in the Coagulation Cascade

Calcium's Role in Coagulation

  • Key Clotting Factors: Calcium is vital for the function of clotting Factors II, IX, X, and XI.

  • Activation Process: It aids in activating these factors, crucial for the coagulation cascade's progression.

  • Complex Formation: Calcium ions facilitate the formation of complexes between clotting factors and phospholipid surfaces on platelets, enabling the sequential activation of the coagulation cascade.

  • Factor IV: Given its importance, calcium is sometimes referred to as Factor IV. ref: https://eclinpath.com/hemostasis/physiology/secondary-hemostasis/coagulation-cascade-new-model-3/


Vitamin K's Role in Coagulation


Clinical Implications

  • Anticoagulant Therapy Monitoring: Monitoring levels and activity of these specific clotting factors is crucial in patients on anticoagulant therapy, particularly with vitamin K antagonists.

  • Dietary Importance: Adequate dietary intake of vitamin K and calcium is important for the proper functioning of the coagulation system.

Summary: Calcium and vitamin K are essential for coagulation, with calcium involved in the function of Factors II, IX, X, and XI, and vitamin K necessary for the synthesis and activation of Factors II, VII, IX, and X. Their roles are key to understanding coagulation mechanisms and managing related clinical conditions.

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Message for International Readers
Understanding My Medical Context in Thailand

By Uniqcret, M.D.
 

Dear readers,
 

My name is Uniqcret, which is my pen name used in all my medical writings. I am a Doctor of Medicine trained and currently practicing in Thailand, a developing country in Southeast Asia.
 

The medical training environment in Thailand is vastly different from that of Western countries. Our education system heavily emphasizes rote memorization—those who excel are often seen as "walking encyclopedias." Unfortunately, those who question, critically analyze, or solve problems efficiently may sometimes be overlooked, despite having exceptional clinical thinking skills.
 

One key difference is in patient access. In Thailand, patients can walk directly into tertiary care centers without going through a referral system or primary care gatekeeping. This creates an intense clinical workload for doctors and trainees alike. From the age of 20, I was already seeing real patients, performing procedures, and assisting in operations—not in simulations, but in live clinical situations. Long work hours, sometimes exceeding 48 hours without sleep, are considered normal for young doctors here.
 

Many of the insights I share are based on first-hand experiences, feedback from attending physicians, and real clinical practice. In our culture, teaching often involves intense feedback—what we call "โดนซอย" (being sliced). While this may seem harsh, it pushes us to grow stronger, think faster, and become more capable under pressure. You could say our motto is “no pain, no gain.”
 

Please be aware that while my articles may contain clinically accurate insights, they are not always suitable as direct references for academic papers, as some content is generated through AI support based on my knowledge and clinical exposure. If you wish to use the content for academic or clinical reference, I strongly recommend cross-verifying it with high-quality sources or databases. You may even copy sections of my articles into AI tools or search engines to find original sources for further reading.
 

I believe that my knowledge—built from real clinical experience in a high-intensity, under-resourced healthcare system—can offer valuable perspectives that are hard to find in textbooks. Whether you're a student, clinician, or educator, I hope my content adds insight and value to your journey.
 

With respect and solidarity,

Uniqcret, M.D.

Physician | Educator | Writer
Thailand

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