What is menadione?
Menadione, also known as vitamin K3, is a synthetic, fat-soluble provitamin. In the bodies of animals, it is converted into the biologically active forms of vitamin K (mainly K2/menaquinone). Unlike the natural forms vitamin K1 (from plants) and K2 (from bacterial fermentation), menadione is used exclusively in industrial applications, mainly as an additive in animal feed. It is not suitable for human consumption due to potential toxicity at high dosages.
Applications of sunflower seed protein
Storage of menadione
Shelf life varies per derivative; please consult the product specification (typically 24 months in closed packaging under recommended conditions).
Menadione solubility and stability
Menadione is not naturally soluble in water, but dissolves well in various organic solvents such as alcohol, benzene, chloroform, and vegetable oils. To increase its applicability, water-soluble derivatives have been developed.
In terms of stability, menadione is heat-resistant and relatively stable during oxidative processes, but it is sensitive to light and alkaline environments. Proper storage and packaging are therefore essential.
Regulations and approval
Regulations regarding the use of menadione and its derivatives vary by country and region. Depending on the type of animal feed and animal species, authorizations, permitted forms, and usage levels may differ. For up-to-date information on local requirements, approval status, or necessary documentation, we are happy to assist. Please contact us at info@planture.com for advice or country-specific compliance information.
High quality and fast delivery
Planture supplies menadione in various packaging formats, tailored to production needs. Thanks to our ample stock and flexible logistics, we can deliver both small and large orders worldwide just-in-time, making it ideal for both large-scale production lines and specialized applications.
For more information or to request a quote, please contact us at info@planture.com, by phone via our European office at +31 20 20 90 470 or our US office at +1 312 340 05 86.
Frequently asked questions
Menadione is used as a stable vitamin K source in animal feed to support blood clotting, bone health, and protein metabolism in animals.
Yes, menadione is regularly used in dog food (and other pet food) as a source of vitamin K3.
Not in its pure form. Menadione is fat-soluble, but there are water-soluble derivatives such as menadione sodium bisulfite, which are widely used in feed formulations.
Not for humans. In industry, menadione is used as a supplement in animal feed, but it is not used as a dietary supplement for human consumption due to potential health risks.
Menadione acts as a precursor of vitamin K2 and contributes to blood clotting, bone mineralization, and various protein-dependent processes.