Assessment of dietary intakes of phylloquinone (VK-1) and dihydrophylloquinone (dK) has been limited
by an overall deficit of food composition data, especially for mixed dishes and processed foods. Ninety-eight
geographically representative food samples, obtained as part of the National Food and Nutrient Analysis
Program (NFNAP), were analyzed for VK-1 and dK using reversed phase HPLC with fluorescent detection.
The VK-1 concentrations of the mixed dishes, processed meats, soups, and cheeses ranged from zero (nondetectable,
ND) to 11.1 mg/100 g; the dK concentrations ranged from zero (ND) to 22.4 mg/100 g. No dK was
detected in the cheese samples. Minimal variation in VK-1 content was observed between the cooked and
uncooked samples. Mixed dishes, processed meats, soups, and cheeses contain relatively small amounts of
phylloquinone and dK when compared with vegetables and certain plant oils. However, since these foods
may frequently be consumed in large amounts, they may be important dietary contributors of vitamin K.
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