Overview
They are mainly two types of vitamin K vitamin K1 and vitamin K2. Plants, especially leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale, contain vitamin K1 (phylloquinone). Menaquinone, which functions similarly to vitamin K1 and is produced naturally in the digestive system, is vitamin K2.
Coagulation, or the process by which blood clots, as well known, is facilitated by vitamin K. The process of clotting aids in limiting excessive bleeding both within and outside the body.
Vitamin K is necessary for your body to make the proteins involved in blood clotting. Your body lacks sufficient amounts of these proteins if you are vitamin K deficient. Too much bleeding is a symptom of vitamin K insufficiency.
Additionally, scientists think that vitamin K supports healthy bone growth, but they are still investigating this connection.
Adults seldom suffer from vitamin K shortage due to the abundance of foods we consume that are rich in K1 and the fact that our bodies naturally produce K2. Additionally, the body is adept at recycling the vitamin K it already has. However, several diseases and medications might impair the production and absorption of vitamin K, leaving one vulnerable to deficiency.
Infants are significantly more likely to experience a vitamin K deficit. The disorder is known as VKDB, or vitamin K deficiency bleeding, in babies.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Vitamin K Deficiency?
Some of vitamin K deficiency symptoms includes the following:
- Easy bruising or heavy bleeding from cuts or wounds: These symptoms are caused by vitamin K deficiency, which prevents blood from clotting correctly and causes easy bruising and excessive bleeding.
- Menstrual bleeding that is excessive or nosebleeds: A vitamin K deficit may cause menstrual bleeding that is excessive or nosebleeds. The clotting factor is also responsible for this.
- Blood in the urine or stool: Internal bleeding, which can be brought on by a vitamin K deficit, might be indicated by blood in the urine or stool.
- Slow wound healing: Vitamin K plays a crucial role in the development of robust, healthy blood vessels, which are required for effective wound healing. A person with a vitamin K deficiency could have trouble healing wounds quickly.
- Blood loss-related anemia: People who are bleeding excessively run the risk of developing anemia, which can be brought on by a vitamin K shortage.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes): Vitamin K deficiency can lead to internal bleeding, which can result in jaundice.
- Bone fractures or osteoporosis: Vitamin K is essential for the growth and upkeep of strong bones. Osteoporosis, a disorder where the bones become brittle and weak and are easily broken, can result from a vitamin K shortage.
- Easy bruising and/or bleeding gums: Low vitamin K levels can make it difficult for the blood to clot, which can lead to easy bruising and/or bleeding gums.
What Are The Causes and Risk Factors of Vitamin K Deficiency?
Adults are more vulnerable to vitamin K insufficiency and the symptoms it causes if they:
use blood-thinning medications, often known as anticoagulants, to avoid blood clots but to prevent vitamin K from activating.
don't consume enough vitamin K-containing foods because they are taking antibiotics that prevent the generation and absorption of vitamin K.
ingest vitamin A or E at incredibly high concentrations
Some illnesses, such as those where the body is less able to absorb fat, might increase the likelihood that vitamin K shortage will manifest. Fat malabsorption is what is meant by this.
The following conditions are linked to fat malabsorption:
- celiac disease
- cystic fibrosis
- having had a portion of the intestine removed, such as during bariatric surgery, can cause an intestinal or biliary system condition (liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts)
Vitamin K is poorly transferred from the placenta to the infant is inefficiently used by the newborn's liver, and cannot be produced by the newborn's gut in the first few days of life due to low vitamin K content in breast milk.
Sources Of Vitamin K And Daily Needs
The ODSTrusted Source advises individuals to consume the following quantities of vitamin K daily:
- Men should take 120 micrograms (mcg)
- For women, 90 mcg
- vegetable oils from green leafy vegetables like lettuce, kale, spinach, and broccoli.
- few fruits, including blueberries and figs; various meats, including liver; and eggs.
- chickpeas
- soybeans
- green tea
Also available are vitamin K supplements. It is important to see a doctor or Dietitian before taking them since they can interact with prescription drugs already being used.
The Detection Of Vitamin K Deficiency
In order to determine if you are at risk of developing vitamin K deficiency, your doctor will first need to review your medical history. Typically, persons who are at risk are those who:
- the use of anticoagulants
- have a disease where it's difficult to absorb fat and take antibiotics
Prothrombin time (PT) testing will almost certainly be done by your doctor or dietitian to determine whether a vitamin K shortage is the root of your symptoms. This blood test calculates the length of time it takes for your blood to clot.
A tiny needle will be used by a nurse, lab technician, or other healthcare worker trained in blood collection to take a sample.
Additionally, the laboratory may examine the outcomes differently by calculating the international normalized ratio (INR). INR is based on a scale that contrasts the findings of several laboratories throughout the world. An average INR ranges from 0.9 to 1.1. It might range between 2 and 3.5 for someone who is taking a blood thinner. Your doctor will check the number to see whether it is excessive.
What Are The Treatments for Vitamin K Deficiency?
The remedy for a vitamin K deficit is to add vitamin K supplements to the diet. This can be administered intravenously or orally through meals or supplements. Depending on the severity of the deficit and any underlying medical issues, a particular course of therapy and dose will be prescribed. It's crucial to collaborate with a healthcare professional to choose the best course of action.
What Are The Long-term Consequences of Vitamin K Deficiency?
Vitamin K deficiency can result in "osteoporosis" in adults and "vitamin K deficiency bleeding" (VKDB) in newborns, two bleeding disorders. Newborns that experience spontaneous bleeding from VKDB may experience cerebral hemorrhages, which can result in death or irreversible brain damage. In adults, vitamin K insufficiency can result in osteoporosis, a disorder marked by fragile bones that are more prone to breaking. In addition, persistent deficiency can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease. Because vitamin K may be produced by the gut flora and is present in many foods, it is crucial to stress that vitamin K insufficiency is uncommon in healthy people.
How To Avoid A Vitamin K Shortage
You shouldn't take in a certain level of vitamin K every day. However, nutritionists believe that 90 mcg for women and 120 mcg for males are sufficient amounts on a normal day. In one serving, certain foods—such as leafy green vegetables—will provide you with all the vitamin K you require.
An issue in neonates can be avoided with a single dose of vitamin K at birth.
Speaking with their doctors or Dietitian about taking a vitamin K supplement and having their levels checked is advised for those with disorders that cause fat malabsorption. The same holds true for those on warfarin and other anticoagulants.
List Of Foods Rich In Vitamin K
Following is a list of foods high in vitamin K:
- Kale
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Lettuce
- Collard greens
- Swiss chard
- Mustard greens
- Turnip greens
- Cabbage
- Parsley
- Asparagus
- Scallions
- Leeks
- Green beans
- Endive
- Radicchio
- Arugula
- Beet greens
- Bok choy
- Rapini
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Fennel
- Okra
- Peas
- Squash
- Cucumbers
- Eggplant
- Bell peppers
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Watercress
- Herbs such as basil, cilantro, dill, mint, oregano, and thyme
- Some fruits like kiwi, avocados, and blueberries
- Some fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and natto
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Disease and Disorders