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Vitamin K Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Vitamin K is an essential vitamin required for forming blood clot after injury. It is also essential for bone health as it helps the body with calcium absorption. If the body doesn't receive enough vitamin K through food, you may suffer from Vitamin K deficiency which can cause further health issues. Take a look at the article to know more.

Importance of Vitamin K

Vitamin K plays an important role in coagulation, better understood as blood clotting which is a process that helps prevent excessive bleeding when hurt. There are two main kinds of vitamin K:

- Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) which comes from plants, especially leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale.

- Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) which is naturally created in the intestinal tract and works similarly to K1.

Both vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 produce proteins that help the blood clot.

The deficiency of this vitamin results in excessive bleeding because the body is unable to form the clot. The bleeding can occur anywhere in the body, both inside and outside, making it difficult to notice in cases of internal bleeding.

While Vitamin K deficiency is rare in adults, it is much more common in infants.

Symptoms of Vitamin K Deficiency

The main symptom of vitamin K deficiency is excessive bleeding. The bleeding may also be apparent if someone:

• bruises easily

• gets small blood clots underneath their nails

• bleeds in mucous membranes that line areas inside the body

• produces stool that looks dark black (almost like tar) and contains some blood

In infants, doctors may observe vitamin K deficiency if there is:

• bleeding from the area where the umbilical cord is removed

• bleeding in the skin, nose, the gastrointestinal tract, or other areas

• bleeding at the penis if the baby has been circumcised

• sudden bleeding in the brain, which is extremely dangerous and life-threatening

Causes of Vitamin K Deficiency

While this deficiency is rarely seen in adults, they are at an increased risk of suffering from it if they:

• take blood thinners, or anticoagulants, which prevent blood clots but inhibit vitamin K activation

• take medications that interfere with vitamin K production and absorption

• do not get enough vitamin K through their diet

• take extremely high doses of vitamin A or E

• Suffering from certain medical conditions like celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, or an intestinal disorder

Daily Requirement of Vitamin K

It is recommend that adults get the following amounts of vitamin K each day:

• 120 micrograms (mcg) for males

• 90 mcg for females

Treatment

If a person develops a vitamin K deficiency, healthcare provider will vitamin K supplements. While supplements are usually taken orally, they can also be injected if your body is less able to absorb the supplement by mouth. A doctor will also consider whether a person is taking anticoagulants, as these can interact with vitamin K.

Ways to Prevent Vitamin K Deficiency

The best and the most effective way to prevent Vitamin K deficiency is by eating a well-balanced diet including food rich in Vitamin K. Include a lot of green vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli in your daily diet. Also, have whole grains, soybean oil and eggs to stay nourished. Encourage your children to eat these foods right from the time they are ready to eat solids.

Conclusion

Vitamin K deficiency in adults is very rare, as most people get sufficient vitamin K from their diet. If a deficiency does develop and remains untreated, it may result in excessive bleeding. A diet high in foods that contain vitamin K can help prevent vitamin K deficiency.

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Source: Healthline, MedicalNewsToday

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on March 29, 2023