Vitamin K Sources for a Balanced Diet
Vitamin K is a family of important vitamins that help the body to remain healthy. The term Vitamin K was given because it was discovered in 1929 that it is a blood clotting factor, or a "koagulationvitamin" (blood coagulation factor) in the German language.
Vitamin K is crucial in the process of blood coagulation. After an injury, your body automatically tries to prevent bleeding by coagulating the blood. In addition, vitamin K promotes strong bones and is important for other functions in the body.
Vitamin K sources include green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. It also occurs in some animal foods, such as eggs, cheese, chicken, and some fish. Vitamin K is sometimes prescribed to treat or prevent bleeding disorders. In this article, we will discuss everything that you need to know about vitamin K.
Conditions Where Vitamin K is Effective
Here are a few conditions where Vitamin K administration can prove to be effective:
1. Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding in Newborns
Some newborn babies are born with very low levels of vitamin K. This may result in a serious disorder, Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB) or Haemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn.
This condition can be best prevented by administering a Vitamin K1 shot within a few hours of birth. Compared to oral vitamin K, the injection is also more effective at providing protection and should only be given by health care staff.
2. Low Prothrombin Levels
Prothrombin is a protein required for proper blood clotting. Those who have less prothrombin have an increased risk of bleeding. Oral or injected vitamin K1 increases clotting and decreases bleeding.
3. Vitamin K-Dependent Clotting Factors Deficiency (VKCFD)
VKCFD is a very unusual inherited bleeding disorder in which blood fails to clot. Vitamin K therapy can help with clotting and help to limit bleeding episodes.
4. Reversing the Effects of Warfarin
Warfarin is a drug used to thin the blood and prevent blood clots. Vitamin K can be administered if it becomes too active, to reduce the risk of excess bleeding.
5. Osteoporosis
Vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2 might help strengthen bones and prevent fractures in those with osteoporosis. But for those who already have healthy bones, there might be no benefit to adding more vitamin K.
Side Effects of Vitamin K
Vitamin K is generally safe when used in the recommended amounts.Vitamin K1 up to 10 mg/daily and Vitamin K2 up to 45 mg/daily have been found safe for up to 2 years.
Oral vitamin K supplements may cause gastrointestinal symptoms in some people. Injectable phytonadione must be administered by qualified healthcare professionals because serious hypersensitivity reactions can occur, particularly with intravenous use.
Vitamin K Deficiency
Vitamin K deficiency is a lack of vitamin K in the body that affects the formation of blood-clotting proteins. This can cause excessive or uncontrolled bleeding. There are three types of VKDB in newborn babies.
Early VKDB
- Occurs within 24 hours after birth.
- Associated with the mother's medication during gestation.
Classical VKDB
- Develops during the first week of life.
Late VKDB
- Occurs between the second week and six months of age.
- More frequently occurs in babies who do not receive a vitamin K injection after birth.
Symptoms of Vitamin K Deficiency
The main symptom is uncontrolled bleeding. Other symptoms include:
- Excessive sleepiness
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Bruising, particularly on the head
- Pinpoint blood spots on the skin (petechiae)
- Nosebleeds
- Yellowing of skin and/or eyes (jaundice)
- Pale skin
- Stools that are black, sticky, or bloody.
- Vitamin K deficiency bleeding is a medical emergency and is a condition that must be treated.
Causes of Vitamin K Deficiency
Vitamin K deficiency may develop due to several reasons, including:
- Low level of vitamin K in the mother at birth.
- Infants with deficient gut flora.
- Taking some drugs while pregnant (e.g., phenytoin or isoniazid)
- Disease of the liver which interferes with the action of vitamin K.
- Inability to absorb vitamins due to diarrhoea or digestive disorders such as celiac disease or cystic fibrosis.
Diagnosis of Vitamin K Deficiency
Diagnosis of vitamin K deficiency is made by:
- Inquiring about the circumstances of pregnancy and childbirth
- Carrying out a physical examination.
- Ordering blood tests
Treatment of Vitamin K Deficiency
Vitamin K deficiency is corrected by giving a shot of phytonadione (Vitamin K1). The injection is usually given into the thigh muscle by a healthcare professional. For a baby's condition that needs further treatment, it may include:
- Extra doses of vitamin K may be given.
- Blood transfusion
- Plasma transfusion
- Surgery is indicated in severe cases.
- Typically, treatment at the start will result in a good outcome.
Sources of Vitamin K
Vitamin K is found primarily in food. Vitamin K1 is found in green leafy vegetables, while Vitamin K2 is present in certain animal foods and fermented products. A diet rich in Vitamin K includes:
- Vegetables that are green and leafy, including spinach, kale, cabbage and lettuce.
- Broccoli and Brussel sprouts
- Soybeans
- Milk and cheese
- Eggs
- Chicken and lamb
- Fish such as salmon
Precautions While Using Vitamin K
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully when using vitamin K. Important precautions include:
- If you take warfarin, keep your dietary vitamin K intake reasonably consistent and speak with your clinician before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of a vitamin K supplement.
- If you are using orlistat, use vitamin K at least two hours before or after taking orlistat.
- Vitamin K should be used with caution in patients who have severe liver disease because high doses can have a detrimental effect on liver function.
- Long-term treatment may require routine liver function tests.
- Dialysis patients should not take vitamin K without medical advice.
- Inform your doctor about any liver, kidney, gall bladder or blood disease.
- Tell your doctor if you are using any antibiotics, aspirin, heparin, warfarin, or other blood-thinning medications.
- In pregnancy, vitamin K is used only when there is a clear indication for its use.
- Certain vitamin K products could lead to dizziness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
- Some products include benzyl alcohol that should not be used in newborn infants as it can have serious side effects.
Conclusion
Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in blood clotting, bone health, and overall well-being. Most people can get enough vitamin K by eating things high in vitamin K, like green leafy vegetables and other nutritious foods.
While supplements or vitamin K tablets may be needed in certain medical conditions, they should only be taken under a doctor's guidance. If you suspect a deficiency or have concerns about your vitamin K levels, consult your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.
Reader Information: This article provides general information about vitamin K and is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking vitamin K tablets, particularly if you use warfarin or another anticoagulant.
