what is vitamin k

What Are the Causes of Vitamin K Deficiency?
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health wellness

Vitamin K is an important nutrient that promotes blood clotting and
helps to preserve bone density and vascular health. When an individual
lacks sufficient amounts of the vitamin, he or she is at risk of
developing severe health problems. There can be several causes of
vitamin K deficiency, including malnutrition, the overuse of
antibiotics, and a number of different diseases that affect body's
absorption of nutrients. An individual who believes he or she is
suffering from a deficiency should consult a physician, who can make
an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the most appropriate medication or
treatment plan.

Many people suffer from vitamin deficiencies as a result of poor
dietary choices. Vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, kale, turnips,
peas, and onions are all rich in vitamin K. Other foods with high
vitamin K contents include noodles, eggs, and whole wheat bread. It is
important for an individual to consume such foods on a fairly regular
basis to prevent a vitamin K deficiency and the related health risks,
including heart problems and excessive bleeding.

Antibiotics that eliminate harmful substances in the body can also
affect the helpful intestinal bacteria that aid in vitamin K
production. Overuse of certain prescription or over-the-counter
antibiotics can quickly result in a vitamin K deficiency. Antacids
designed neutralize heartburn and stomach acids can adversely impact
intestinal bacteria. Vitamin-K forming bacteria need an acidic
environment to survive and reproduce, and frequent antacid intake
significantly disrupts natural acid in the stomach and intestines.

Several different diseases can contribute to vitamin K deficiency.
Yeast infections, cirrhosis, leukemia, lupus, and hepatitis are all
linked to vitamin K shortages. Crohn's disease is also known to cause
significant mineral and vitamin deficiencies in afflicted individuals.
Certain diseases that cause blockages in bile ducts are detrimental to
vitamin K levels, as excess fat gets trapped in the body and prevents
the absorption of nutrients.

There are several treatment options available to an individual with a
vitamin K deficiency. Simply consuming more vitamin-rich foods and
engaging in daily exercise is enough for people with mild nutrient
deficiencies. Ingesting foods and supplements with high concentrations
of probiotics can stimulate the activity of vitamin-producing bacteria
in the digestive system. In a severe case of vitamin K deficiency, a
doctor may administer an oral or intravenous medication to restore
vitamin levels in the blood. When all other treatments fail, a patient
may need to undergo a plasma transfusion to replenish vitamin K and
restore the blood's ability to clot.

Related wiseGEEK articlesWhat Is Tocopherol?What Is Vitamin C
Deficiency?What Is Vitamin B6 Deficiency?What Is Sodium Deficiency?What
Is Protein C Deficiency?What are the Symptoms of a Vitamin C Overdose?What
are the Best Vitamin K Foods?

CategoryDiet, Fitness and Nutrition

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