Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin. This nutrient is essential for proper clotting of the blood, but it’s also known to maintain bone health and could potentially reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, particularly when it comes to the liver. While most people get more than enough vitamin K in their diets, certain conditions lead to deficiencies that require supplementation. Like other dietary supplements, taking vitamin K can result in side effects. Skin flushing isn’t common. Talk to a doctor before taking this or any other dietary supplement.
Flushing
Skin flushing is often described as a sudden reddening of the upper chest, neck and face. It may also be accompanied by a sensation of heat or warmth along the affected areas of the skin. Although skin flushing isn’t usually associated with vitamin K, it can occur, especially with certain forms of this nutrient.
Toxicity
During clinical trials, researchers found that injections of menadione—a synthetic form of vitamin K, also known as vitamin K-3—could result in toxicity. Flushing of the face is one symptom of this toxic effect, notes the American Cancer Society. It also caused numbness, chest pain or shortness of breath in some patients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, however, has not yet allowed vitamin K-3 to be sold as a dietary supplement, so the available forms aren’t likely to cause these adverse reactions.
Dosage
As with all nutrients, the Food and Nutrition Board has established a recommended daily allowance for vitamin K. It’s primarily based on gender, but your age also plays a role. Men over the age of 18 should get 120 micrograms a day, whereas women of the same age should get 90 micrograms. Children often need less of this vitamin. Kids from ages 1 to 3 need 30 micrograms, ages 4 to 8 need 55 micrograms, ages 9 to 13 need 60 micrograms and ages 14 to 18 need 75 micrograms.
Warning
Vitamin K is generally considered safe, but may lead to side effects when taken in higher doses. Though rare, you may experience rash, hives, itching, swelling, irregular heartbeats, lightheadedness, loss of consciousness, appetite changes and tightness in the chest after an injection of this nutrient. Always talk to your doctor before taking vitamin K for any medical condition.
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