Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for blood clotting and bone health. A deficiency in Vitamin K can lead to excessive bleeding, even from minor injuries, and in severe cases, internal hemorrhaging. Though rare in healthy adults, it is more common in newborns and people with certain medical conditions.

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🩸 Vitamin K Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

🧬 Introduction


🧪 Types of Vitamin K

There are two main types:

  1. Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone):

    • Found in green leafy vegetables (e.g., spinach, kale, broccoli).

    • Primary source of Vitamin K in the human diet.

  2. Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone):

    • Produced by gut bacteria and found in fermented foods (e.g., natto, cheese).

    • Important for bone and cardiovascular health.

⚠️ Causes of Vitamin K Deficiency

👶 In Newborns:

  • Low placental transfer of vitamin K.

  • Sterile intestines (no gut bacteria yet).

  • Low vitamin K content in breast milk.

  • Can lead to Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB) — a life-threatening condition.

👨‍⚕️ In Adults:

  1. Fat malabsorption disorders:

    • Celiac disease

    • Crohn’s disease

    • Chronic pancreatitis

    • Cystic fibrosis

  2. Liver disease:

    • Impairs production of clotting factors that depend on Vitamin K.

  3. Long-term use of antibiotics:

    • Disrupts gut bacteria that synthesize Vitamin K2.

  4. Poor dietary intake (very rare cause).

  5. Use of blood thinners like warfarin, which antagonize vitamin K function.

💉 Symptoms of Vitamin K Deficiency

  • Easy bruising

  • Excessive bleeding from gums or nose

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding

  • Blood in urine or stool

  • Prolonged bleeding from wounds or cuts

  • In newborns: Intracranial hemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding, umbilical cord bleeding

🧪 Diagnosis

  • Prothrombin Time (PT) test: Measures how long blood takes to clot.

  • Increased PT time may indicate vitamin K deficiency.

  • Blood tests may also measure levels of specific clotting factors.

🩺 Treatment

  1. Vitamin K supplements:

    • Oral or intramuscular injections.

    • Newborns usually receive a single injection of Vitamin K1 at birth to prevent VKDB.

  2. Dietary correction:

    • Increase intake of Vitamin K-rich foods.

    • Examples: Kale, spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, liver, and fermented soy products.

  3. Address underlying conditions:

    • Treat gastrointestinal or liver disorders.

    • Discontinue or adjust medications interfering with Vitamin K metabolism.

🥗 Foods Rich in Vitamin K

Food Vitamin K (mcg per 100g)
Kale 817
Spinach 483
Broccoli 141
Brussels sprouts 140
Cabbage 76
Green tea Contains K2
Natto (fermented soybeans) Very high in K2

👶 Prevention in Newborns

  • Universal Vitamin K injection at birth is a global standard.

  • Reduces the risk of late-onset VKDB, which can cause brain damage or death.

🌐 Public Health Note

The World Health Organization and most national health bodies strongly recommend routine administration of Vitamin K to newborns. Awareness about the importance of Vitamin K in preventing bleeding disorders is critical in both developed and developing countries.

✅ Conclusion

Vitamin K deficiency is a preventable and treatable condition that can have serious consequences if ignored. While rare in adults, newborns are particularly at risk, making early prevention essential. Ensuring a balanced diet and addressing any underlying medical issues can help maintain healthy Vitamin K levels and support normal blood clotting and bone health.


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