Vitamin K Deficiency – Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

Vitamin K is a vital nutrient that plays an important role in blood clotting and protein modification. This vitamin helps to preserve bone density and vascular health. Vitamin K occurs in two forms; vitamin K1 and vitamin K2. Vitamin K1 can be obtained from plants, while vitamin K2 is produced in the large intestine by bacteria. It is recommended to consume 90 mcg/day of vitamin K. If you don’t meet the required amounts of vitamin K, it can lead to severe health problems. An individual with vitamin K deficiency should consult a physician for proper diagnosis. Vitamin K deficiency is a result of poor dietary choices. Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, kale, turnips, peas, noodles, eggs, whole wheat bread, and onions are good sources of vitamin K.

Vitamin K Deficiency Causes

Since vitamin K is required for many vital bodily functions, you should consume foods rich in vitamin K. Deficiency of essential vitamins usually happens due to poor diet habits. Vitamin K deficiency is a very serious problem and should be solved by consuming natural foods or dietary supplements. Vitamin K deficiency is rare since the bacteria in the large intestines can produce it internally. Other things that may cause vitamin K deficiency are:

1.  Health problems like gallbladder or cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, biliary disease, and Crohn’s disease.

2.  Liver disease

3.  Taking blood-thinners

4.  Serious burns

Vitamin K Deficiency Symptoms

1. Bleeding within the digestive tract.

2. Blood in the urine.

3. Defective blood coagulation and hemorrhages.

4. Higher clotting incidents and anemia.

5. Excessive deposition of calcium in soft tissues.

6. Hardening of arteries or calcium-related problems.

7. Alzheimer’s disease.

8. Reduction in prothrombin content of the blood.

The deficiency of vitamin K can be prevented by following a proper diet. A vitamin K rich diet includes green leafy vegetables, eggs, and soybean. Vitamin K deficient patients can also take oral supplements after consulting a physician.

[ Read: Deficiency of Vitamin E ]

Vitamin K Deficiency diseases & treatment

Here are the different vitamin k deficiency diseases and treatments that are associated with it.

1. Cancer

Studies have shown that a person with the highest intake of vitamin K had the lowest risk of developing cancer and a 30% reduction in cancer possibility.

2. Osteoporosis

A high level of vitamin K results in great bone density, while a low level of the same causes osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bone disorder characterized by weak bones. This can lead to major problems like the risk of fractures and falls. Vitamin K improves bone health and reduces the risk of postmenopausal women.

[ Read: Vitamin D Deficiency ]

3. Cardiovascular Problems

Vitamin K2 helps in preventing the hardening of arteries, which causes coronary artery disease and heart failure. Vitamin K2 can also keep out calcium deposition in your artery linings.

4. Excessive bleeding

Vitamin K is widely known as the clotting vitamin. Vitamin K helps in reducing the risk of bleeding in your liver. The deficiency of vitamin K can cause nose bleeding, blood in your urine or stool, tarry black stool, and heavy menstrual bleeding.

[ Read: Vitamin K Rich Foods ]

5. Heavy menstrual bleeding

The main function of vitamin K is blood clotting. Low levels of vitamin K in your body can cause heavy periods. Hence consume food rich in vitamin K for a healthy life.

6. Haemorrhaging

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) is referred to as a bleeding condition in newborn babies. This disease is also called hemorrhagic disease. Babies are normally born with low levels of vitamin K. Babies are born without any bacteria in their intestines and they do not get enough vitamin K from breast milk.

7. Easy bruising

A deficiency in vitamin K can cause bruising and swellings. This will further lead to excessive bleeding. Vitamin K can reduce bruising and swellings.

8. Ageing

Vitamin K deficiency can also cause wrinkles in your laugh lines. Hence consumption of vitamin K is important to stay young.

9. Hematomas

Vitamin K is an essential nutrient for coagulation mechanisms. Vitamin K prevents continuous bleeding. This vitamin reverses the blood thinning process.

10. Birth defects

Vitamin K deficiency can lead to birth defects like shortened fingers, flat nasal bridges, cupped ears, underdeveloped nose, mouth, and mid-face, mental retardation, and neural tube defects.

11. Poor bone health

Bones need vitamin K in order to utilize calcium properly. This helps to build and maintain the strength and integrity of bones. A high level of vitamin K leads to a greater bone density.

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