Importance of Vitamin K
Vitamin K, though less popular among general people than its cousins, vitamin A, B or C, it is as important as any of them. The main function of this vitamin is to help in the clotting of blood. A person may bleed to death even on a minor cut if he is suffering from an acute deficiency of Vitamin K. Apart from helping in blood coagulation; vitamin K also helps in maintaining proper bone density and also in the development of the foetus.
Deficiency of Vitamin K occurs because of two common reasons; firstly because of insufficient intake of sources of Vitamin K and secondly because of excessive intake of substances that block the absorption Vitamin K.
Insufficient Intake of Vitamin K
Insufficient intake of green leafy vegetables cause a deficiency of Vitamin K. On an average an adult must consume 65-70 mcg/day.
Substances blocking the absorption of Vitamin K
Consumption of high amounts of salicylates, antibiotics, antacids and anticoagulants cause deficiency of Vitamin K. Excessive consumption of Vitamin A and Vitamin E also causes vitamin K deficiency. Salicylates are present in nuts, spices and mint. Aspirinis also a good source of salicylates. Hence excess consumption of Aspirin can cause bleeding strokes in elderly people.
Antibiotics treat the human body by killing the harmful bacteria but in the process they also kill those intestinal bacteria that help in the synthesis of Vitamin K, thus leading to Vitamin K deficiency. These intestinal bacteria need an acidic environment to grow and excessive antacids destroy the acid and curb the growth. Anticoagulants also block the action of Vitamin K.
Apart from these reason, mal-absorption of nutrients also cause deficiency of Vitamin K along with other vitamin deficiency.
Symptom of Deficiency of Vitamin K
Vitamin K deficiency can be detected in a various ways, the most common problem being Osteoporosis. Other problems that follow are connective tissue disorder, prolonged bleeding, bicuspid-valve prolapsed, heavy menstrual bleeding, anaemia, hematuria, nosebleeds and many more.
The only way to avoid vitamin K deficiency is to have a balanced diet containing good amount of green vegetables. Broccoli, lettuce, spinach, kale etc are good sources of vitamin K and must be consumed every day. Apart from consuming proper meals, one must exercise daily to maintain proper digestion and absorption of the nutrients. Cycling, swimming and skipping are good ways to maintain a good body and a proper digestive system.
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