For someone who lacks vitamin K, a small cut can become a life-threatening emergency. This essential vitamin helps blood clot, or thicken. Without it, a person would bleed freely and could require a blood transfusion. Although the blood-clotting factor is the main benefit of vitamin K, this vitamin is also used to prevent other illnesses, diseases and emergencies.
Hemorrhaging
Hemorrhaging is when the body loses excess amounts of blood. This condition can occur due to various reasons, such as internal injury and surgery. For someone who is deficient in vitamin K, a small cut to the skin may cause a life-threatening emergency.
Vitamin K is referred to as an essential vitamin since the body does not produce adequate amounts to aid in blood clotting. You must obtain vitamin K through your diet, or as a last option, supplements. This vitamin works to synthesize several proteins needed for blood coagulation.
Although vitamin K deficiencies are considered rare, they can occur. Antibiotic use can cause mild vitamin K deficiency. Symptoms of a vitamin K deficiency tend to present with excess bleeding of the gums. It can also start with nosebleeds.
Osteoporosis
Without vitamin K, the body cannot properly absorb calcium. Calcium is the building block for strong bones, and without it, a range of disorders such as osteoporosis and brittle bone disease are possible.
Even in a healthy person, vitamin K aids calcium in keeping bones strong and less likely to fracture. For an elderly person and menopausal women, vitamin K is especially important, since these two groups often experience a decrease in bone health due to age and the lowered presence of hormones.
Other Uses
The United States and Great Britain give newborns vitamin K injections immediately after birth to prevent brain hemorrhaging. Brain hemorrhaging after birth is a concern since vitamin K is not transported from the mother to child as easily as other vitamins and nutrients. In addition, newborns do not have the necessary bacteria in their intestines that produce vitamin K.
Vitamin K is also used to treat a variety of medical issues relating to blood clotting and excess bleeding. Some conditions include bleeding liver disease and malabsorption syndromes. It is also used to treat deficiencies associated with long-term antibiotic use.
Considerations
Always consult your physician before taking vitamin K supplements. He will evaluate the risks and benefits of taking the supplement and determine if it is right for you. It is important to maintain communication with your physician if you are using vitamin K supplements to aid in a specific disorder.
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