Vitamin K Deficiency
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In general most people get enough vitamin K from their diet and also from the bacteria creating it in their intestines, but deficiency does occur in some people:
- Long term users of antibiotics
People who take antibiotics over the long term may have reduced ability to create their own vitamin K from the bacteria in their intestines, as the antibiotics kill all bacteria (good and bad) and especially the bacteria responsible for making the vitamin K in the intestines. People who use antibiotics long term need to ensure they eat enough foods rich in vitamin K (especially leafy green vegetables) every day and to discuss possible supplementation with their doctor in order to avoid deficiency in this very important vitamin. - People who cant digest fats properly
People who find it difficult to digest fats may be at risk of vitamin K deficiency because some fat in the diet is required to be able to digest the vitamin K and if they cannot digest fats, they may not be absorbing the vitamin K properly and may need supplementation. - People who do not eat enough leafy green vegetables
People who do not eat leafy green vegetables may not be getting enough vitamin K in their diet, because these foods are very high in vitamin K, so may need supplementation. - People who have serious liver disease
People with serious liver disease may not be able to use Vitamin K properly partly because they cannot digest fats properly and partly because their liver is not working properly, so this means they could become deficient and may need supplementation. - People who take cholesterol-lowering drugs
People taking cholesterol lowering medications may become deficient in vitamin K, as these medications block absorption and effectiveness of vitamin K from foods eaten, so supplementation may be required. - People with gastrointestinal disorders
People with certain intestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, have an impaired gastrointestinal system and their small intestine may not function effectively and so lack the ability to produce any vitamin K. In addition to this, people with these types of intestinal disorders do not digest fats very well, so the vitamin K they get from the food in their diet may not be well absorbed.
In general most people get enough vitamin K from their diet and also from the bacteria creating it in their intestines, but deficiency does occur in some people
Symptoms of vitamin K deficiency
General symptoms of vitamin K deficiency:
- Bleeding a lot from small injuries
- Blood clots very slowly
- Blood in the urine
- Intestinal bleeding
- Nose bleeds
- Small bruises cause big black-blue marks on the skin
People with any of these symptoms should seek advice from their medical practitioner to determine if vitamin K supplementation is warranted in their individual situation.