Vitamin K is an important vitamin involved in the clotting of blood and the structure of bone. A deficiency of vitamin K impairs the clotting of blood and results in easier and more severe bruising. Treatment for vitamin K deficiency should be supervised by a doctor to monitor the risk for severe complications.
Vitamin K Function
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is used by the liver to modify proteins so that they can bind calcium. This process of proteins binding calcium is important in the signal cascade that leads to the clotting of blood and the retention of minerals in bone. Drugs such as warfarin prevent blood clotting by preventing the activity of vitamin K in the liver.
Bruising
Bruising is caused by the accumulation of blood in the space under the skin. The purple coloration is due to the conversion of hemoglobin in the blood to bilirubin. There are three types of bruises: petechiae, which appear as small red dots; purpura, which appears as a small purple area; and ecchymosis, which appears as a large discolored area. Contact your healthcare provider if you observe frequent or unexplained bruising, as this could be a sign of an underlying medical disorder, including vitamin K deficiency.
Vitamin K Deficiency Increases Bruising
When you are deficient in vitamin K, blood cannot clot as well, leading to more blood leaking out with minor trauma. This may result in bruising in cases that would not normally result in bruising, or by more severe bruising in cases that would normally cause a small bruise. In addition to bruising, vitamin K deficiency may manifest as bleeding of the nose and gums or blood in urine or stool.
Deficiency is rare in healthy adults, as vitamin K is common in foods and the body conserves vitamin K very efficiently. Deficiency is usually found during treatment with vitamin K antagonists such as warfarin or in those with liver disease.
Sources of Vitamin K
Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale and lettuce. Oils including olive, soy and canola also contain vitamin K. Naturally occuring bacteria in your intestines also produce small amount of vitamin K, although it is unclear whether this plays a role in intake. Vitamin K should only be used to treat frequent bruising under medical supervision to maintain proper dosage and eliminate other possible causes.
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