What is Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding: A Comprehensive Guide

Human bodies require multiple vitamins and minerals to function smoothly. A deficiency of any vitamin or mineral affects the body's ability and functions and may even lead to diseases. One commonly reported deficiency is vitamin K deficiency. While it is naturally found in different types of vegetables and fruits, some people may also be recommended supplements in case they suffer from vitamin K deficiency.

Having a balanced diet regularly may keep you off deficiencies and help maintain your health. However, due to a lack of certain resources, edibles, or diseases, one may experience vitamin K deficiency symptoms. It is vital to see your doctor immediately so they can better suggest to you your health.

 In this article, we will discuss vitamin K deficiency, vitamin K deficiency bleeding in children, the health effects it may have, and the treatment for the same. You will also get information on how you can maintain a healthy level of vitamin K in your body through natural ways and supplements.

What is Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding?

Also known as hemorrhagic diseases of the newborn baby, vitamin K deficiency bleeding mostly happens in newborn babies. It primarily happens due to a major vitamin K deficiency. The baby may experience weakness and show various vitamin K deficiency symptoms.

Here is what happens during vitamin K deficiency bleeding in babies:

• Blood in stool
• Dark color stool
• Blood in urine
• Bleeding from the umbilical cord area or around the circumcised penis
• Problem sleeping

In severe cases, the baby may experience bleeding in the brain, which can be life-threatening. Now, let's understand what may trigger vitamin K bleeding in babies:

• Insufficient vitamin K shots at birth, which are usually provided through intramuscular vitamin K injection
• Only breastfeeding and no vitamin K shots to the baby
• Parents who have a history of taking pregnancy medications

What Causes Vitamin K Deficiency?

Vitamin K is one of the essential vitamins needed by the human body for optimal functioning. So, a lack of vitamin K can become serious in some cases. While there can be many reasons for Vitamin K deficiency, some of the vitamin K deficiency causes are mentioned below:

Blood Thinning Medicines

People who have recently taken blood-thinning medicine may show vitamin K deficiency symptoms. It is highly recommended that you contact your doctor soon to avoid any further complications.

Antibiotics

Certain antibiotics may accelerate the loss of vitamin K in the body. Hence, there may be signs of vitamin K deficiency that must be addressed immediately.

Inability to Absorb Fat

Due to certain conditions, the body may not be able to absorb fat properly, and a person may experience vitamin K deficiency.

A Diet with Low or No Vitamin K

A balanced diet has all the essential vitamins and minerals. If you are experiencing vitamin K deficiency, it is advisable to take a vitamin K-rich diet. A lack of a vitamin K-rich diet may eventually lead to deficiency and complications. 

People with Certain Fat Malabsorption Diseases

Some people may be suffering from ailments due to fat malabsorption. It occurs when the body doesn't absorb fat properly and adequately. It may cause certain diseases, which may further lead to vitamin K deficiency. These diseases include:

• Celiac disease
• Cystic fibrosis
• Biliary tract disorder
• Intestinal disorder

How is Vitamin K Deficiency Treated?

Once the baby or the adult is diagnosed with the deficiency, vitamin K deficiency treatment has to be carried out. In the case of babies, the following treatment may be carried out:

• Blood transfusion, in case there has been serious blood loss
• Vitamin K shots

In the case of adults, vitamin K deficiency treatment includes:

• Oral supplements
• Subcutaneous injection in some cases.

Vitamin K Deficiency Diseases List

A long-term vitamin K deficiency can cause certain diseases. Everyone must understand Vitamin K deficiency diseases so you may be able to avoid them. While in some cases, it may not be possible to avoid disease due to a deficiency of vitamin K, proper care may work for many people. Here is a list of vitamin K deficiency disease names for your reference:

• Osteoporosis
• Increased chances of cardiovascular diseases
• Poor bone development
• Anaemia due to excessive blood loss
• Constant weakness

These vitamin K deficiency disorders may be common. However, different people may experience different symptoms and effects.

Sources of Vitamin K

To avoid disease caused by vitamin K, you must take sufficient intake of Vitamin K. Some of the common sources of vitamin K are:

• Green leafy vegetables like kale, broccoli, spinach, turnip greens, swiss chard, parsley, etc. 
• Vegetables are rich in vitamin K, such as cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, etc.
• Meat
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Soybeans
• Cereals
• Snacks like dry roasted edamame, dried blueberries, roasted cashews, etc.
• Fruits like figs, blackberries, blueberries, tomatoes, red currants, pomegranates, etc.
• You may also take supplements to suffice your body's vitamin K needs.

Also Read: 5 weird signs of iron deficiency

In Conclusion

Vitamin K deficiency can have both long-term and short-term effects on health. So, it is best to get medical attention immediately and adhere to the doctor's advice to recover from the deficiency as soon as possible. At times when situation gets complicated immediate medical attention is required, which may lead to huge out-of-pocket expenses. To alleviate those unplanned expenses, you should have a health insurance plan in place. At Care Health Insurance, we focus on offering comprehensive health insurance plans so you don't have to worry about expenses when it comes to medical needs.