Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for blood clotting and maintaining bone health. Crohn's disease is an autoimmune inflammatory bowel disorder in which fat absorption is often impaired. The malabsorption of fat decreases vitamin K absorption in people with Crohn's disease.
Vitamin K Deficiency
A study in the April 2001 issue of the journal "Gut" reports that people with longstanding Crohn's disease have lower levels of vitamin K in comparison to those without the disease. Signs of vitamin K deficiency include easy bruising, uncontrolled bleeding, blood in the urine and/or stools and recurrent nosebleeds.
Vitamin K Treatment
Sometimes vitamin K is administered to patients with Crohn's disease who have a problem with blood coagulation. A case report in the "Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis" notes that a patient with active Crohn's disease did not respond to oral supplements but did respond when vitamin K was administered subcutaneously. Vitamin K absorption is likely not as compromised in people with Crohn's disease who are relatively stable and are on a recommended diet.
Vitamin K Adequate Intake
The Institute of Medicine has set adequate intakes for vitamin K at 120 mcg per day for men and 90 mcg per day for women. Good dietary sources of vitamin K include green leafy vegetables and some vegetable oils, such as soybean and olive oil.
Blood Clotting
Despite the fact that people with Crohn's disease are often vitamin K deficient, the disease is associated with an increased risk for developing blood clots. The reason for the association is unknown, but chronic inflammatory responses likely play a role. People with Crohn's disease are often treated with blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin to prevent clot formation. Since vitamin K promotes blood clotting and interferes with the actions of drugs like Coumadin, people with Crohn's disease should consult with a physician prior to increasing dietary intake of vitamin K or using supplements.
Osteoporosis
A study in "Minerva Medica" reports that between 32 and 38 percent of people with Crohn's disease have low mineral bone density and are at increased risk for bone fractures. Vitamin K deficiency is one contributing factor to decreased bone health observed in patients with Crohn's disease. Other factors include vitamin D and calcium deficiencies, chronic inflammation and corticosteroid use.
References
- The Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin K
- "Gut"; Low Serum and Bone Vitamin K Status in Patients with Longstanding Crohn's Disease; E Schoon et al.; April 2001
- "Minerva Medica"; Prevalence and Pathogenesis of Osteoporosis in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease; P. Vestergaard; December 2004
- "Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis"; Resistance to Oral Vitamin K for Reversal of Overanticoagulation During Crohn's Disease Relapse; S.E. Fugate and A.M. Ramsey; June 2004
