Vitamin K Deficiency Symptoms
Overt vitamin K deficiency results in impaired blood clotting. Symptoms include easy bruising and bleeding that may be manifested as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood in the urine, blood in the stool, tarry black stools, or extremely heavy menstrual bleeding. In infants, vitamin K deficiency may result in life-threatening bleeding within the skull.
Vitamin K Deficiency in Adults: Vitamin K deficiency is uncommon in healthy adults for a number of reasons: 1) vitamin K is widespread in foods (see Vitamin K Food Sources), 2) the vitamin K cycle conserves vitamin K, and 3) bacteria that normally inhabit the large intestine synthesize menaquinones (vitamin K2), though it is unclear whether a significant amount is absorbed and utilized. Adults at risk of vitamin K deficiency include those taking vitamin K antagonist anticoagulant drugs and individuals with significant liver damage or disease.
Vitamin K in Infants: Newborn babies that are exclusively breast-fed are at increased risk of vitamin K deficiency for the following reasons: 1) human milk is relatively low in vitamin K compared to formula, 2) the newborn's intestines are not yet colonized with bacteria that synthesize menaquinones, and 3) the vitamin K cycle may not be fully functional in newborns, especially premature infants. Infants whose mothers are on anticonvulsant medication to prevent seizures are also at risk of vitamin K deficiency.
Vitamin K deficiency in newborns may result in a bleeding disorder called hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN). Because HDN is life threatening and easily prevented, the American Academy of Pediatrics and a number of similar international organizations recommend that an injection of phylloquinone (vitamin K1) be administered to all newborns.
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin. It promotes production of active prothrombin, proconvertin and other factors necessary for normal blood clotting.
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