Menadione Sodium Bisulfite (MSB), a water-soluble derivative of vitamin K? (menadione), has diverse applications across animal husbandry, medicine, and industrial fields due to its role in blood clotting, cellular energy production, and redox reactions. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its key uses:

1. Animal Nutrition & Veterinary Medicine

(1) Vitamin K Supplementation 

Purpose: Prevents/treats vitamin K deficiency in livestock (poultry, swine, cattle) and pets, which can cause bleeding disorders (e.g., prolonged clotting time, hemorrhages).  

Mechanism: Converts to active vitamin K? in the body, enabling synthesis of clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X).  

Dosage:  

Poultry: 1–5 mg/kg feed.  

 Swine: 2–10 mg/kg feed.  

(2) Growth Promotion & Stress Relief  

Synergy: Often combined with vitamin C to reduce stress-induced bleeding (e.g., during transport or weaning).  

Aquaculture: Added to fish/shrimp feed to enhance survival rates under high-density farming.  

2. Human Medicine (Limited but Critical Uses)  

(1) Hemorrhage Control 

Neonatal Hemorrhagic Disease: Prophylactic use in newborns (oral/injection) where vitamin K deficiency is suspected.  

Antibiotic-Induced Deficiency: Counteracts vitamin K depletion caused by long-term antibiotics (e.g., cephalosporins).  

(2) Cancer Research (Experimental)

Pro-Oxidant Therapy: High doses of menadione derivatives generate ROS (reactive oxygen species), selectively targeting cancer cells (e.g., leukemia models).  

3. Industrial & Miscellaneous Uses 

Food Preservation: In some regions, used as an antioxidant in oils/fats (regulated due to toxicity concerns).  

Plant Growth Stimulant: Experimental use to boost root development in crops (mimics natural vitamin K signaling).  

Laboratory Reagent: Electron carrier in redox biochemistry studies.  

Safety & Regulatory Notes  

Toxicity Risks:  

  Hemolytic Anemia: High doses (>5 mg/kg) may oxidize hemoglobin (especially in G6PD-deficient individuals).  

 Avoid in Pregnancy: Potential teratogenicity in animals/humans.  

Regulations:  

EU: Max 3 mg/kg in animal feed.  

FDA: Restricted in human food; veterinary use under guidance.  

Alternatives to MSB  

| Form                | Pros                        | Cons                          |  

|-------------------------|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------|  

| MSB                 | Water-soluble, cost-effective     | Potential toxicity                |  

| Vitamin K? (Phylloquinone)| Natural, safer              | Lipid-soluble (requires bile)     |  

| Vitamin K? (MK-7)   | Long-lasting, gut microbiota-derived | Expensive                      |  

Key Products 

Animal Feed: MSB premixes (e.g., 50% powder for poultry).  

Pharma: Injectable formulations (e.g., combined with etamsylate for hemorrhage control).