Vitamin K disorders are relatively rare, with the exception of failing to get supplementation at birth and those resulting from another serious health condition. As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin K helps the blood retain the ability to clot, builds bone material and can re-manufacture itself in the body. Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables and bacteria that resides in the gastrointestinal tract. Disorders discussed are actually caused by the primary disease and seen as a secondary disorder. As always, it is imperative to seek consultation with a licensed medical professional before attempting to self-medicate or treat a condition on your own.
Vitamin K at Birth
When a baby is born, the hospital administers an oral dose of vitamin K to prevent the possibility of hemorrhage in the brain. The reason behind this dose is that infants are not born with the innate ability to produce the bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract to provide necessary coagulation of the blood. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, nursing mothers that get adequate daily intake of dark leafy greens may improve vitamin K delivery to the infant, however it may still be insufficient. Consequently, the risks to the infant from a lack of vitamin K at this critical time could lead to significant and irreversible developmental disabilities.
Malabsorption Issues
Most individuals obtain enough vitamin K in the daily food intake that there is really no need to supplement beyond a multivitamin/mineral. Vitamin K production and absorption can be compromised by co-existent medical conditions such as gallbladder or biliary disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac and Crohn's disease. Additionally, if you are being treated for these conditions with the use of antibiotics, these drugs may also deplete the gastrointestinal tract of vitamin K stores.
Liver Disease
Liver disease is also a proponent in vitamin K disorders. The liver synthesizes bile acids and helps the intestines process fat. When the liver is compromised by fatty conditions and disease, the process of absorbing fats and producing bile salt is malfunctioned. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center suggests that those with severe forms of liver disease supplement their vitamin K deficiency to avoid excessive bleeding or bruising. Your medical team can provide you with the best supplement and dosing requirements for your condition. As with any deficiency, over-supplementation can have carry toxic effects that may prove fatal if it is done without the supervision of a licensed health practitioner.
Heart Conditions
Heart conditions that are treated with blood thinning drugs, or anticoagulants, to prevent clotting activity are also at heightened risk for vitamin K disorders. Generally, the "Merck Manual Home Edition" suggests that individuals who suffer from deep thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or irregular heart rhythms are prescribed medications to reduce the strain placed on the heart by thinning the blood passing through the arteries and veins. If you have a heart condition, your cardiologist may reduce the strength of your medications if vitamin K deficiency becomes problematic.
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