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Vitamin K insufficiency can lead to Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn, bleeding disorders, bone weakness, and can further worsen existing liver ailments. The term vitamin K describes a class of fat soluble compounds that are vital to the organism. In order to stop excessive bleeding and preserve proper haemostasis, it is essential for activating a number of vitamin K dependent proteins involved in blood clotting. Beyond clotting, vitamin K also helps bone metabolism by assisting in the synthesis of osteocalcin, a protein important for creating strong, healthy bones. Insufficient levels can consequently contribute to poor bone development and raise the risk of osteoporosis. Additionally, vitamin K plays a developing function in cardiovascular health by helping regulate calcium deposition in blood arteries. Low vitamin K levels may lead to arterial calcification, enhancing the risk of heart disease. In general, preventing bleeding, promoting bone strength, and safeguarding long-term cardiovascular health all depend on getting enough vitamin K.

Diseases caused by Vitamin K deficiency

Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN): Also known as Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB), this can occur in infants due to their low vitamin K reserves and absence of gut microbes to manufacture vitamin K. Severe cases can lead to life-threatening intracranial bleeding.

Bleeding disorders (Coagulopathy): Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting in bleeding disorders. A deficit may cause nosebleeds, gum bleeding, easy bruising, and prolonged bleeding from small incisions.

Osteoporosis and bone weakness: Vitamin K is important for a protein that helps calcium bind to bones. A deficiency of vitamin K can affect bone mineralisation, increasing the risk of fractures.

Vascular calcification: A condition that raises the risk of cardiovascular disease, calcium deposits in arteries can result from inadequate vitamin K.

Complications from liver disease: Because the liver is responsible for processing vitamin K, people with liver disease are more susceptible to vitamin K insufficiency. As a result, liver disease exacerbates the risk of bleeding, and vitamin K deficiency can exacerbate liver problems.


Warning signs of Vitamin K deficiency

While bleeding and haemorrhage are considered , they occur only in severe situations. Individuals who lack vitamin K typically:

• Get bruised easily, develop tiny clots underneath the nails
• Bleed spontaneously from the nose, a cut or internally in the stomach or intestines even without injury
• Have weaker bones with conditions like osteopenia or osteoporosis

Vitamin K deficiency causes and risk factors
According to the e, adults are at a greater risk of vitamin K insufficiency and the associated symptoms if they:

• Take blood thinners, or anticoagulants, which prevent blood clots but decrease vitamin K activation
• Consume antibiotics that interfere with vitamin K synthesis and absorption do not obtain enough vitamin K from the foods they eat
• Consume excessively high dosages of vitamin A or E

Some medical problems can make a vitamin K shortage more likely to occur, such as situations where the body is less able to absorb fat. This is known as fat malabsorption.


Conditions associated with fat malabsorption include:

• Celiac disease - People with celiac disease experience inflammation and pain in the gut when they consume gluten. It is an autoimmune condition that involves the immune system reacting to gluten proteins.
• Cystic fibrosis - A genetic condition that occurs due to a malfunctioning protein that causes the production of thick, sticky mucus, primarily affecting the digestive system and lungs.
• An intestinal or biliary tract (liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts) disorder
• Having had part of the intestine removed, such as during bariatric surgery

There are various reasons why newborns are more prone to vitamin K deficiency:

• Vitamin K is poorly transferred from the placenta to the infant
• A newborn's liver cannot effectively utilise vitamin K.
• A newborn’s intestines cannot generate vitamin K2 in the first few days of life
• Breast milk is low in vitamin K

Understanding Vitamin K importance
Vitamin K comes in two forms:

• Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone) - Plant-based foods, particularly leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens, are the main sources of vitamin K1.

• Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone) is present in fermented foods like natto and some animal products, including cheese, eggs, and meat. Additionally, the body can use K2 produced by gut microbes.

To make the proteins that are involved in the clotting process, your body needs vitamin K. If you’re vitamin K deficient, your body doesn’t have enough of these proteins. The first indication of vitamin K insufficiency is bleeding too much.


Vitamin K deficiency treatment
If a person develops vitamin K deficiencies, a doctor will give them a vitamin K supplement called phytonadione.
The individual normally takes the supplement orally, while injections are also available if the person’s body is less able to absorb the supplement by mouth. The individual's age and health determine the dosage.


How to prevent Vitamin K deficiency
According to the , the recommended daily intake of vitamin K for individuals 19 years of age and older is 120 micrograms (mcg) for males and 90 mcg for women, including those who are pregnant or nursing.
You can get all the vitamin K you require in a single serving from certain foods, such as leafy green vegetables, which have a very high vitamin K content.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.