Menadione is an organic compound with the formula C6H4(CO)2C2H(CH3). It is an analog of 1,4-naphthoquinone with a methyl group in the 2-position. It is occasionally used as a nutritional supplement because of its vitamin K3 activity. Though it’s considered safe, some are convinced it has potentially dangerous health effects.
What Is Menadione?
Menadione, also known as Vitamin K3, it is a white or almost white crystalline powder. Primarily used as a nutraceutical, it is considered to be a dietary source of Vitamin K3 and can be found in many nutritional supplements or as an additive in many foods.
Possible Side Effects of Menadione
Menadione is generally considered a safe ingredient. The side effects may: Facial flushing, sweating, chest constriction/pain, dyspnoea, cyanosis.
GRAS Affirmation: Yes
Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) is an American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designation that a chemical or substance added to food is considered safe by experts, and so is exempted from the usual Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) food additive tolerance requirements. Menadione is considered safe by FDA.
Suggested Dosage
NA.
Special Populations Precaution
There is a lot of concern about diet and nutrition for these population, like Newborns, children, pregnant, sensitive to Menadione populations. Better consult to your doctor if you would like to intake Menadione.
Related Research
1. Novel insights into the antiproliferative effects and synergism of quercetin and menadione in human leukemia Jurkat T cells. [Leuk Res. 2014 Jul] Author: Baran I, Ionescu D, Filippi A, Mocanu MM, Iftime A, Babes R, Tofolean IT, Irimia R, Goicea A, Popescu V, Dimancea A, Neagu A, Ganea C.
2. Apoptosis provoked by the oxidative stress inducer menadione (Vitamin K(3)) is mediated by the Fas/Fas ligand system. [Clin Immunol. 1999 Oct] Author: Caricchio R, Kovalenko D, Kaufmann WK, Cohen PL.