Diverticultitis is the inflammation of diverticuli, which are abnormal pouches found on the wall of the colon. Diverticulitis occurs when stool becomes trapped in the narrow openings of the diverticula, or when an obstruction in the narrow opening of the diverticula reduces blood supply to the area, according to MayoClinic.com. Vitamin K may be used to prevent colon bleeding in patients with complicated diverticulitis.
Vitamin K and Diverticulitis
Colon perforation and bleeding are complications of diverticulitis. Vitamin K, also known as the clotting vitamin, may help stop bleeding from the colon. Vitamin K is needed by the body for blood to clot normally and without this vitamin, patients with perforated colon would bleed to death. Vitamin K is fat-soluble and stored in the body. However, patients with diverticulitis may have little vitamin K in the body due to diet restrictions.
Low-Residue Foods Rich in Vitamin K
Patients with active diverticulitis symptoms are usually placed on clear liquid and low-residue diets to enable the colon to rest and heal. Patients on these diets should select vitamin K-rich, low-residue foods. Residue is fiber and all undigested food materials that form part of stool. Examples of foods with little residue that are rich in vitamin K include enriched white bread, enriched white pasta and white rice, tender meat, fruit juice with no pulp and vegetable juice.
Vitamin K Supplements
Patients with severe diverticulitis may be unable to eat foods rich in the vitamin. Vitamin K supplements may be used by such patients. However, patients should consult with a doctor before taking over-the-counter vitamin K supplements. Vitamin K supplements are available as oral tablets or injections. Patients taking vitamin K may require regular blood tests so as to monitor the therapeutic effects of the vitamin. Patients who are scheduled for dental work or surgery should inform the surgeon ahead of time.
Side Effects of Vitamin K Supplements
Patients taking vitamin K supplements may experience common side effects such as dizziness, sweating, skin flushing and upset stomach. Adverse effects of vitamin K include problems breathing, rapid heart rate, irregular heart rate, fainting, blood clots, swelling tongue, chest tightness, swelling of the face, lips and tongue and hives, according to Drugs.com. Patients should call the doctor immediately if they notice unusual bleeding or bruising.
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