Bloody noses often occur from injury or environmental factors such as dry air or irritating chemicals. You might also experience a nose bleed if you have allergies or a cold. A nose bleed -- epistaxis -- can also be symptomatic of a vitamin deficiency. Specifically, frequent nosebleeds could indicate that you need more vitamin C or vitamin K. Additionally, deficiencies of other vitamins that maintain healthy skin and blood vessels could contribute to the development of nosebleeds.
Anatomy of Nose Bleeds
Most nose bleeds originate just inside your nostril area. The nasal septum in the center of your nose contains small blood vessels that can be easily damaged or irritated. The mucus membrane that lines your nostrils can crack and bleed -- especially in the winter months when the air is dry and your home is heated. Nose bleeds can start from areas that are higher and deeper in your nasal cavity. Those types of nose bleeds may be more difficult to stop.
Vitamin C Deficiency
Your body does not make or store ascorbic acid--also known as vitamin C--but this important nutrient is vital to the growth and repair of body tissues including blood vessels. Since vitamin C is water soluble, you lose it through urination. You must replenish it on a daily basis through your diet or with a supplement.
Nose bleeds are symptomatic of vitamin C deficiency. If your daily diet doesn't include a lot of fruits and vegetables and you are experiencing nose bleeds, suspect that a vitamin C deficiency is the root of your problem. An adequate daily intake of vitamin C for adult males, 19 or older, is 90 mg. Adult females require 75 mg daily.
Vitamin K Deficiency
Vitamin K is a blood-clotting, or coagulant, nutrient that is found in green, leafy vegetables. In addition to consuming vitamin K from your diet, your intestinal tract produces the nutrient. Your body stores excess amounts of vitamin K in fatty tissue.
A deficiency of vitamin K could cause epistaxis and bleeding from other tissues such as your gums. You might have a shortage of vitamin K if you have been taking antibiotics or have a disease that interferes with your body's ability to absorb the nutrient such as gallbladder or liver disease, Crohn's disease or cystic fibrosis.
If you think a vitamin K deficiency is causing your nose bleeds, talk to your doctor before taking multivitamins or vitamin K supplements as this vitamin can interact with some medications.
Epistaxis and Other Vitamins
Vitamin A, or retinol, deficiency is a less likely source of nose bleeds. However, retinol is critical to the body's normal growth and development and to skin health. A shortage of the vitamin could potentially lead to dry nasal passages and epistaxis. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin A is 900 mcg for men and 700 mcg for non-pregnant women.
Some evidence suggests that a vitamin D deficiency increases your risk to develop high blood pressure, which can, in turn, cause epistaxis in middle-aged or older adults. Adequate daily intake of vitamin D is 5 mcg for adults under 50 years of age and 10 mcg for adults over 50.
