Understanding Vitamin K Deficiency
Before we try to understand what vitamin K deficiency is, let us first define what a vitamin is.
According to Wikipedia, a vitamin is “an organic compound required as a nutrient in tiny amounts by an organism” such as humans. Vitamins are essential for normal growth and development. A vitamin deficiency usually leads to a disease, as well as an overdose. Humans need about 13 vitamins, 9 of which are water-soluble and 4 are fat-soluble, which includes vitamin K.
Vitamin K was named so for “koagulation”. It was recorded that in the 1930s, Danish researchers noted that baby chickens fed with a fat-free diet developed bleeding problems. The problem was solved with an alfalfa-based compound that was named vitamin K. Scientists now know that most of the body’s vitamin K needs are met by bacteria in the intestines that produce this vitamin, and only about 20% comes from foods.
Deficiencies are rare in healthy individuals, even though the body does not store vitamin K in large amounts. Natural forms of vitamin K come from chlorophyll – the same substance that gives plants such as alfalfa their green color.
Vitamin K deficiency, as mentioned, is rare. However, it is found in people with liver disease or intestinal illnesses that interfere with fat absorption. However, vitamin K levels can fall as a result of using antibiotics for prolonged periods. One of the first signs of a deficiency is a tendency to bruise easily. Those at risk need careful medical monitoring because they could bleed to death in the event of a serious injury.
On the other hand, it is hard to get too much vitamin K because it is not abundant in any one food, aside from leafy green vegetables such as kale, Swiss chard, and turnip greens. Although even mega doses are not toxic, high doses can be dangerous if one is taking anticoagulants. Also, large doses may cause flushing and sweating.
In effect, there are two natural forms of vitamin K, phytonadione (K1) and menaquinone (K2). It is usually vitamin K1 that reacts with anticoagulants, but rare with vitamin K2. There are also three synthetic forms of vitamin K: K3, K4 and K5. However, vitamin K3 has been found to be toxic and has been banned by the FDA as an ingredient for over-the-counter supplements.
Aside from playing an important role in blood coagulation, vitamin K may also provide great benefits for those suffering from osteoporosis. Some studies show that it helps the body to make use of calcium and decreases the risk of fractures. Vitamin K may particularly be important for bone health in older women. In fact, it is included among the ingredients in some bone-building formulas.
In summary, vitamins within recommended daily doses are beneficial, if not essential. It is always advisable to get our nutrients from food. However, to be practical and realistic, a good multi-vitamin mineral supplement that also contains other beneficial phytonutrients should be regularly taken.
Modern science has helped confirm the healing properties of organic and natural ingredients. Modern manufacturing processes have also made it safe to take these supplements. However, we must all do our due diligence and look for reputable manufacturers with quality products. Taking this will help us avoid any unnecessary nutrient deficiency and even disease.
Learn about the vitamin K we use daily with excellent health results in our vitamin k supplements post.
Filed under: Nutrients
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