Vitamin K Deficiency

Deficiency

Vitamin K deficiency is uncommon in humans because we are able to synthesize it ourselves through bacterial processes in the intestines. Also there are numerous exogenous sources such as beef liver, broccoli, spinach, etc. However, if deficiency does occur, it is associated with the following symptoms:

Hemorrhagic episodes in newborns
Prolonged blood clotting time
Increased bleeding and hemorrhaging
Decreased active prothrombin in the blood
Increased risk of fractures
Reduced bone density

Deficiency often results from one or more of the following:

Interference with intestinal absorption of fats
- Gallbladder disorders
- Ulcerative colitis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Diarrhea
- Obstructive jaundice
- Use of mineral oil as a laxative
- Liver Disease
- Intestinal Disease
Decreased availability of endogenous Vitamin K

Long-term use of antibiotics or sulfonamides
- Decrease in activity of gut bacteria
- Sterilization of the intestines

Vitamin K inhibitors