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Vitamin K Deficiency: Symptoms, Causes & Dietary Sources

Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin which plays an important role in the blood clotting and formation of healthy dense bones. It is important to understand that the dietary fat that will help with the absorption of this particular vitamin K. Hence it is necessary to consume some fat along with vitamin K.

Fermented food like natto, has found to have the highest concentration of Vitamin K. Spinach broccoli, thyme, Brussel sprouts are few of the other foods. If you have drastic deficiency conditions, the best way to stabilize this condition is to take supplements.

REASONS TO HAVE AMLA IN YOUR DIET

There are 3 types of Vitamin K. Vitamin K1 – This is found in large quantities in plants, this goes to the liver directly and helps in maintaining a healthy blood clotting system. Vitamin K2 – This is made by the bacteria that lines the gastrointestinal tract, this vitamin goes directly to the blood vessels, bones and tissues. Vitamin K3 – This is a synthetic form of the vitamin and not recommended, especially for infants.

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Of the three Vitamins, K2 is the most important and useful for keeping the bones strong and keeping the arteries clear. So it is essential to have adequate amount of vitamin in the body as it has many benefits. Ensure that the body is getting enough amount of Vitamin K. The following are the signs you lack Vitamin K.

1. Bleeding –
One of the signs you lack vitamin K is the occurrence of abnormal bleeding episodes. Nose bleeding and gum bleeding are a few signs that you can notice. In extreme cases there can be bleeding in the digestive tract. Presence of blood in urine is also significant.

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2. Fetal Development – One of the signs you lack Vitamin K is noticed when you are pregnant and the fetus can have internal bleeding, malformed fingers and under developed facial features. Vitamin K helps with the overall development of the fetus. This is one of the reasons why pregnant women are given Vitamin K as supplements.

3. Blood Coagulation – One of the signs you lack vitamins, especially Vitamin K, is that you will notice there is extensive blood clotting in your body. This is because a deficiency of Vitamin K will lead to the reduction in the prothrombin content of the blood. There can be uncontrollable bleeding at surgical sites.

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4. Hemorrhages – One of the signs you lack vitamin K is that you will notice prolonged clotting times, especially when you are wounded. This can also cause hemorrhaging and anemia. There can be cases where you are easily bruised and bleeding for a long period of time.

5. Deposition of Calcium – Vitamin K deficiency can also lead to excessive deposition of calcium mostly on the soft tissue. Therefore, hardening of the arteries is one of the signs you lack Vitamin K. In extreme conditions this can cause severe aortic calcification.

6. Intestine – This can cause massive problems with the small intestine. Most of the problems could be caused due to the deficiency of Vitamin K are biliary obstruction, malabsorption, cystic fibrosis and resection of the small intestines.

Make sure that your body gets enough Vitamin K. Following a healthy balanced diet is the best thing that you can do for this.