Your body stores vitamin K in fatty tissue for times of need -- usually when you cut yourself. Vitamin K is essential for blood to coagulate. An article in "Orthomolecular Medicine News Service" on tooth decay and vitamin deficiency lists vitamins C, D and B3 -- niacin -- as essential for healthy teeth. Vitamin K becomes essential during dental procedures to prevent hemorrhaging. Supplement vitamin K only if your doctor prescribes it.
Vitamin K Sources
Your body makes the majority of your supply of vitamin K. Manufacturing takes place in the large intestine where the healthy bacteria that live in it produce the nutrient. You also get vitamin K when you eat greens, cauliflower and beef liver and when you drink green tea.
Deficiency Causes
Your body stores vitamin K for future use, making it unusual for you to run out of it. Certain health conditions may cause a deficiency that can lead to unstoppable bleeding. If you know you have a vitamin K deficiency, tell your dentist about it before letting her work on your teeth and gums. She may have to delay your dental treatment until your vitamin K level is back to normal. You may develop a deficiency if you have a serious liver problem or you have a condition that impairs your body from absorbing fat. When you are prone to developing blood clots, your doctor may prescribe an anticoagulant drug. Sometimes, that type of medicine lowers your storage of vitamin K.
Deficiency Symptoms
If you have any of the health issues associated with vitamin K deficiency, your doctor probably orders a lab test regularly to monitor the levels. You should also report to her any signs that you may be running out of the nutrient. Deficiency symptoms involve excessive bleeding such as heavy menstrual periods, nosebleeds, bleeding gums and blood in your urine and stools.
Supplementing Vitamin K
Your doctor advises you if you need to take vitamin K supplements. She also tells you what dose is right for you. Vitamin K is available as over-the-counter pills and as liquid formulas. In some cases, your physician may choose to give you vitamin K injections, instead. In general, adult males take 120 mcg of vitamin K daily while adult women should get 90 mcg daily.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin K; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; June 2009
- "Orthomolecular Medicine News Service"; Vitamin Deficiency Underlies Tooth Decay -- Malnutrition Causes Much More Than Dental Disease; February 2009
- Colorado State University; Vitamin K; R. Bowen; July 1999
- Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin K; Jane Higdon, Ph.D., et al.; May 2008
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