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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : April 10, 2015 1:37 AM IST
A deficiency in vitamin K occurs as a result of low intake of the vitamin, fat malabsorption or through the utilization of coumarin anticoagulants. It should be noted that this particular deficiency is common, especially among infants who are breastfed. A deficiency in vitamin K lowers prothrombin levels as well as other coagulation factors, which are dependent on vitamin K to perform thier functions. Therefore, this deficiency leads to blood clotting ailments.
However, in order to diagnose the deficiency, a coagulation study will have to be conducted and then the finding will need to be confirmed when vitamin K is prescribed. Vitamin K can be administered orally or through an injection when the cause of it is fat malabsorption or when bleeding is quite high.
Food sources that can help increase levels of vitamin K
It is imperative that you receive your daily dose of vitamin K through various foods or supplements. However, you should definitely consult your doctor before taking any supplements. Some of the best sources of the vitamin are green vegetables like turnip greens, kale, dark green lettuce, spinach and cabbage, among others. Chlorophyll, which is responsible for the colour vegetables, provides vitamin K. Some other beneficial sources of vitamin K include beef liver and green tea.
Now that you know what the deficiency of this essential vitamin can do to your body, here are some symptoms you should know about.
Can lead to a bleeding disorder
Vitamin K deficiency could lead to disruption in the formation of blood clots in your body. This condition usually leads to bleeding in excess which includes bleeding in various forms like blood in stool and urine, nosebleeds, tarry black stool, as well as excess menstrual bleeding. It should also be noted that easily bruising is another symptom of blood clotting, which can result from a deficiency in vitamin K.
May be the cause for bleeding disorders in infants
It is important to note that newborn infants who are solely breastfed are more prone to deficiency in vitamin K. One of the main reasons for this is because milk produced from humans contains less vitamin K as compared to formula milk, which can be given as a substitute. Newborn babies have a high chance of being deficient in vitamin K because human milk solely does not have the ability to jump the placental barrier as easily as other nutrients. Also, the infant's intestinal tract does not have the bacteria that help make vitamin K. In addition to this, vitamin K does not function completely in infants. A deficiency in vitamin K could lead to a disorder, referred to as vitamin K deficiency bleeding, or more commonly referred to as VKDB a condition which can be life-threatening for babies. In order to ensure that the infant does not remain lacking of the vitamin, a vitamin K injection -- a synthetic alternative to vitamin K -- is usually administered to them when they are born.
Can lead to osteoporosis
It is a known fact that bones require vitamin K for it to use dietary calcium. One of the most important reasons calcium is a necessary for the body is because it helps maintain and build the strength of bones. Therefore, when there is an increased level of vitamin K in your body, it directly leads to better bone density. However, a deficiency in vitamin K could ultimately lead to osteoporosis -- a bone disorder that is characterized by bones that weaken over a period of time, which then puts you at a risk of fractures.
May be the cause for easy bruising
One of the most notable signs of vitamin K deficiency is easy bruising. This is especially common in people who suffer from celiac disease -- a condition which prevents vitamin absorption. The only sign of this disease is easy bruising. However, a person suffering from this disease can adopt a gluten-free diet. Once vitamin K levels increase, you will cease to bruise easily.
Photo source: Getty images
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