Vitamin K Deficiency Symptoms

The body needs all kinds of minerals for all-round development. One such important vitamin that is needed by the body is Vitamin K. It is essential for the clotting of blood and appropriate density of bones. Pregnant women need Vitamin K for the all-round development of the fetus. This vitamin is also needed for healthy working of the liver. The average quantity of Vitamin K needed by men is 80 mg while the average quantity needed by women is 65 mg. Vitamin K is again of three types:

K1 - Principal dietary source of vitamin and its prime circulating form
K2 - Term for a group of Vitamin K compounds called Menaquinones
K3 - Active synthetic form of the preparations K3-K7

Symptoms of Vitamin K Deficiency

Though quite rare, the deficiency of Vitamin K leads to complicated health situations. It can affect a new born baby or a fetus as well and may result in internal bleeding (in the skull), malformed fingers, under-developed facial features like ears, nose, chin, etc. A pregnant woman is usually given Vitamin K in the form of food supplements so that the fetus has an all-round development without any complications later on. Here are the symptoms that are caused due to the deficiency of Vitamin K:

Anemia
Delay / difficulty in blood clotting
Easy bruising
Excessive Nosebleeds
Eye hemorrhages
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Gum bleeding
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Hematomas
Hematuria (blood in urine)
Liver Cancer
Osteopenia
Osteoporosis
Ovarian Hemorrhaging
Susceptibility to Fractures

Prevention and Treatment of Vitamin K Deficiency

The only way to prevent the deficiency of Vitamin K is by having a diet that has the essential quantity of Vitamin K. The main sources of Vitamin K are foods like spinach, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, eggs, soybean oil, canola oil and olive oil. Elderly people in particular, should keep a watch and have sufficient intake of this vitamin in their diet. In newborns, this deficiency is treated by giving an injection of 5 mg of the prescribed drug. Adults who suffer from Vitamin K deficiency are prescribed oral medicines for a defined period of time, depending on the individual and the severity of the condition.

How to Cite

Related Articles

See also

More in 'Health & Fitness'