Vitamin K Deficiency
Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that helps maintain healthy bones and teeth. It also plays a role in blood clotting. Learn more about vitamin K deficiencies here!
Vitamin K is found naturally in green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, and dairy products. The body needs vitamin K for proper bone development and maintenance, and for blood clotting.
What Is Vitamin K?
Vitamin K is an organic compound that is part of the B complex vitamins group. It is necessary for normal growth and development of bones and teeth. It is also needed for blood coagulation (clotting).
Vitamin K Deficiency Symptoms
Vitamin K deficiency symptoms include bleeding gums, easy bruising, nosebleeds, and prolonged bleeding after surgery. Other signs of low levels of vitamin K include bone pain, muscle weakness, and fatigue.
Vitamin K Deficiency Causes
Vitamin K deficiency occurs when there isn’t enough vitamin K in the body. This can happen due to a lack of dietary intake or because the liver cannot properly process vitamin K.
Vitamin K Deficiency Treatment
If you suspect that you or your child has a vitamin K deficiency, talk with your doctor. They will likely recommend taking vitamin K supplements. You should take them daily until symptoms improve.
Vitamin K Deficiency Prevention
Vitamin K is found in foods such as leafy greens, broccoli, and liver. However, some people do not consume enough of these foods because they eat too much meat. In addition, certain medications can interfere with absorption of vitamin K.