Adults need to consume between 90 and 120 micrograms of vitamin K every day to keep their bodies healthy, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. In addition to vitamin K supplements, dietary sources of this nutrient include green leafy vegetables, beef liver, broccoli, asparagus and green tea. If you don't get enough vitamin K, you might be at risk of developing vitamin K deficiency symptoms.
Bloody Urine or Stools
Vitamin K is a nutrient that aids your body in proper blood clotting following trauma or injury. If you don't consume enough of this vitamin, you might develop severe bleeding complications. Initially, you might notice small amounts of blood in your urine or stools. Blood in your excrement can cause your urine to appear pink or orange in color, while your stools can appear tar-like or black. Seek care from your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms, which also might be signs of alternate health conditions, such as a bladder infection or intestinal bleeding.
Nosebleeds
Frequent nosebleeds can occur as a consequence of a vitamin K deficiency. Nosebleeds can be bothersome, as they typically occur suddenly and can cause you to bleed on your clothing. Though doctors used to recommend tipping your head backward to keep blood from flowing out of your nose during a nosebleed, this practice is no longer advised. Tipping your head backward might increase your risk of choking on excess blood and can contribute to severe nausea or vomiting. Contact your doctor for further evaluation and care if you experience recurrent nosebleeds.
Bleeding Gums
Your gums regularly might bleed as a symptom of a vitamin K deficiency. Bleeding gums can be most apparent immediately after you brush or floss your teeth. Talk with your dentist if bleeding persists, as this symptom also can be a sign of an oral infection called gingivitis.
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Women who don't get enough vitamin K can experience unusually heavy menstrual bleeding, which can increase anemia risk. Anemia symptoms include extreme fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, headache, difficulty thinking, shortness of breath and chest pain. If you develop a heavy menstrual period or anemia symptoms, seek care from your doctor. Such symptoms also might be indicative of alternate medical issues, such as a vaginal infection.
Bleeding of the Brain
Infants with low vitamin K levels are at risk of developing bleeding of the brain, a severe complication referred to as intracranial hemorrhage. Symptoms associated with intracranial hemorrhage primarily include seizures, lethargy or swelling of the fontanelle, the soft spot on a baby's scalp. Bleeding inside a baby's skull can cause permanent brain damage and could result in life-altering cognitive, developmental and physical complications. Contact your pediatrician immediately if you suspect your infant isn't getting enough vitamin K.
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