Vitamin K comes in two forms. The first is vitamin K-1 (phylloquinone), which is found in foods plant origin(such as spinach and kale). The second - vitamin K-2 (menaquinone) - is synthesized by the body in digestive tract. Both forms of vitamin K are involved in the production of proteins necessary for the formation blood clots- This process is called coagulation and prevents internal and external bleeding.
Vitamin K deficiency results in impaired protein synthesis, which increases the risk of bleeding.
Most adults get enough vitamin K from food and through its synthesis in the body. But certain medications can reduce the production or absorption of this vitamin. However, infants are more prone to developing vitamin K deficiency.
Causes and risk factors of vitamin K deficiency
Risk factors for adults are:
- taking anticoagulants, which prevent the formation of blood clots but inhibit the activation of vitamin K
- taking antibiotics that affect the production and absorption of vitamin K
- insufficient intake of vitamin K from food
- taking very high doses of vitamin A or E.
Fat malabsorption also occurs, resulting in decreased absorption of vitamin K. This condition may be the result of problems such as celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, intestinal or biliary tract diseases, or resection of part of the intestine.
Infants are prone to developing vitamin K deficiency for several reasons, including:
- feeding breast milk, poor in vitamin K
- delivery of insufficient vitamin K through the placenta
- reduced efficiency of vitamin K utilization by the infant's liver.
Green leafy vegetables, prunes and dairy products are rich in vitamin K.
Symptoms of Vitamin K Deficiency
The main symptom is abnormal bleeding. They can be detected by a cut or bruise. In addition, signs of deficiency may also include easy bruising, small blood clots under the nails, bleeding of the internal mucous membranes, and black or blood-streaked stools.
If a vitamin K deficiency is suspected in an infant, the doctor will pay attention to bleeding from the umbilical wound, skin, nose, gastrointestinal tract, bleeding of the penis after circumcision, or sudden bleeding in the brain - acute severe conditions, life threatening child.
Diagnostics
The doctor will ask if family members have similar problems in order to assess the risks, and may also order a prothrombin time test, which can be used to determine the time of clot formation. If it is more than 13.5 seconds, it may be a deficiency of vitamin K. Before conducting such an analysis, you should refrain from eating foods containing large amounts of vitamin K: liver, cauliflower and kale, broccoli, chickpeas, green tea and soy.
Treatment
If vitamin K deficiency is diagnosed, phytonadione, a vitamin K preparation, is prescribed (taken orally, but can also be injected if absorption is impaired). The dose is selected individually.
Vitamin K and newborns
Vitamin K injections are given to newborns to prevent the development of deficiency. At risk:
- prematurely born
- infants whose mothers are taking antiepileptic or antituberculosis drugs, anticoagulants
- infants with malabsorption due to gastrointestinal or liver disease
- newborns who have not received a vitamin K injection and are exclusively on breastfeeding or those who have been treated with antibiotics.
Vitamin K deficiency in the body immediately manifests itself as severe disturbances in well-being, and in the future, if not eliminated, health problems. This substance is important for the proper functioning of systems and organs. Its main function is to regulate the process of blood clotting. Vitamins are partially synthesized by special microorganisms present in the human intestine, and partially come from food. Appeal for medical care If a vitamin deficiency is suspected, it is required.
Daily value of vitamin K
Daily intake depends on age
The daily intake of vitamin K depends on age. Children in the first six months of life require 2 micrograms of the substance per day. In the period from 6 months to a year, the dose increases to 2.5 micrograms. As you grow older, the need for a substance increases, as does its daily requirement, as follows:
- from one year to 3 years - 30 mcg per day;
- from 3 to 8 years - 55 mcg per day;
- from 8 to 13 years - 60 mcg per day;
- from 14 to 18 years old - 75 mcg per day;
- from 19 years old - 90 kg per day.
During pregnancy, women's need for vitamin K increases. During pregnancy, you need to consume 1 to 2 milligrams of the substance per day. Breastfeeding also increases daily norm vitamin A. In the first month after birth, 3.5 milligrams are required, and then until the end of breastfeeding - 2 milligrams per day.
Lack of vitamin K in the body: signs and causes
Kidney pathology can cause low vitamin levels
There are many reasons for a lack of vitamins in the body. If in the first days of a child’s life such a phenomenon is the norm, then from the age of 1 month, a lack of vitamin K indicates a disorder. IN childhood the phenomenon most often occurs due to improperly formed intestinal microflora and an incorrectly selected mixture for artificial feeding. Breastfed babies may not get enough vitamin K if their mother lacks it.
Overdose of anticoagulants is the cause of hypovitaminosis
In adults, doctors consider the main reasons why vitamin K deficiency develops:
- gallstone disease, due to which the normal flow of bile into the intestines is disrupted, which changes the digestion process;
- long period of intravenous nutrition in severely ill patients;
- hepatitis;
- liver cirrhosis of various nature;
- cancer diseases and their treatment with chemotherapy;
- long-term use of a series medicines, including antibiotics and antimicrobial agents;
- improper use of anticoagulants in violation of dosages or if they are prescribed to the patient independently without consulting a doctor;
- prolonged periods of malnutrition or sitting on strict diet, in which the diet is unbalanced;
- pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract;
- excess calcium and phosphorus in the body, which negatively affect the synthesis of vitamin K;
- severe kidney pathology in chronic form;
- undergoing hemodialysis;
- heavy surgical operations on the abdominal organs;
- alcoholism.
Fatigue is not a specific sign of hypovitaminosis
Despite the fact that there are many reasons for the appearance of vitamin deficiency, it is not common in relation to vitamin K. Symptoms of a substance deficiency in the body are usually pronounced, manifesting themselves as follows:
- frequent vomiting of blood due to minor bleeding in the stomach;
- bleeding gums;
- frequent nosebleeds;
- the formation of significant hematomas on the skin even with mild injuries;
- anemia;
- severe weakness and increased fatigue;
- cartilaginous calcification;
- extremely heavy menstruation, which often requires medication to stop bleeding.
If a newborn child has a critically reduced level of vitamin K, then this can occur due to vitamin deficiency in relation to this substance in the mother during gestation, especially during pregnancy. later. This condition in an infant is characterized by bleeding from the umbilical cord, profuse subcutaneous hemorrhages, bleeding from the mouth and nose. It is also possible to develop intracranial gastrointestinal hemorrhages. The condition of such a child is assessed as serious and he requires urgent medical assistance. Cases of such vitamin deficiency in infants are rare.
Vitamin K analysis: indications and preparation
The doctor will inform you about the specifics of preparation.
Indications for a blood test for vitamin K are the presence of symptoms of its deficiency. Also, such research is required when preparing for severe surgical operations to assess the quality of blood clotting.
Complicated preparation for analysis is not necessary. For getting correct results You just need to fast for 6 hours before the test and not smoke for an hour before taking blood. If a particular patient requires any special conditions preparation, the doctor will inform him about this.
Correction of vitamin K levels: diet and medication methods
What is Vitamin K deficiency?
Vitamin K deficiency typical for newborns. In adults it occurs against the background of an underlying disease.
Vitamin K - common name fat-soluble thermostable compounds with the biological activity of phylloquinone; important for the formation of normal amounts of prothrombin.
Sources of vitamin. Vitamin K is synthesized by intestinal microflora. Additional sources include alfalfa leaves, pork liver, fishmeal and vegetable oils, spinach, cauliflower, rose hips, green tomatoes.
Physiological role of vitamin K- participation in the activation of blood coagulation factors (II [prothrombin], VII [proconvertin], IX [Christmas factor], X [Stewart-Prower factor]) in the liver by γ-carboxylation of glutamic acid residues.
Daily requirement for vitamin K- 0.2-0.4 mg.
What Causes Vitamin K Deficiency?
Causes of Vitamin K Deficiency
- Violation of vitamin K synthesis by intestinal microflora, for example, with orally antibiotics and sulfonamides.
- Vitamin K malabsorption.
- Insufficient supply of bile - external biliary fistulas, obstruction of the biliary tract, etc.
- Consuming large amounts of mineral oils (for example, Vaseline).
- Impaired liver function (for example, with hepatitis, cirrhosis).
- Treatment with indirect anticoagulants.
- In newborns aged 3 to 5 days, the intestines are not yet populated by microflora capable of synthesizing vitamin K in sufficient quantities. Therefore, hemorrhagic syndrome often occurs in children in the first days of life.
- Cases of vitamin K deficiency due to insufficient dietary intake have not been described.
Symptoms of Vitamin K Deficiency
- Hemorrhagic syndrome (nasal, gastrointestinal bleeding, bleeding from the gums, intradermal and subcutaneous hemorrhages), usually accompanying the underlying disease.
- With obstructive jaundice, hemorrhagic syndrome usually appears on the 4-5th day.
Newborns who are breastfed (breast milk contains little vitamin K) and do not receive adequate doses of the vitamin may experience intracranial hemorrhage or other manifestations hemorrhagic syndrome.
Diagnosis of Vitamin K deficiency
- Hypoprothrombinemia below 30-35%, deficiency plasma factors VII, IX and X.
- Prothrombin time increased by 25% (pathognomonic sign of vitamin K deficiency when other pathology is excluded).
Differential diagnosis - liver damage, therapy with anticoagulants or salicylates; other diseases accompanied by bleeding (scurvy, allergic purpura, leukemia, thrombocytopenia).
Treatment of Vitamin K Deficiency
- Diet. Inclusion in the diet of foods rich in vitamin K (K 1 - Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, spinach, lettuce, zucchini; K2 - beef liver).
- Phytomenadione 10 mg (dose for adults) subcutaneously or intramuscularly or for acute hypoprothrombinemia intravenously (in a 5% glucose solution or 0.9% sodium chloride solution at a rate not exceeding 1 mg/min); orally 5-20 mg 3-4 times a day. Doses and duration of treatment depend on blood clotting parameters (prothrombin index, coagulogram, etc.).
- Vikasol 15-30 mg/day orally or 10-15 mg/day IM.
Prevention of Vitamin K Deficiency
- Postoperative administration of vitamin K during parenteral nutrition.
- For newborns, in order to prevent hemorrhagic disease, it is recommended to prescribe vitamin K 1 (phytomenadione) 0.5-1 mg IM or SC immediately after birth, if necessary (for example, if the woman in labor was treated with diphenin), the injection can be repeated after 6-8 hours .
- Not recommended for pregnant women prophylactic use before childbirth due to possible toxic effects on the fetus.
Which doctors should you contact if you have vitamin K deficiency?
Therapist
Nutritionist
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A lack of vitamin K leads to unpleasant consequences. Like any other vitamin, it plays a very important role in many processes in the human body. If it is not enough, it will immediately affect your health.
Vitamin K - what is it
Vitamin K is one of those vitamins that dissolves exclusively in fats. Stocks of this useful substance are found in the human liver, but not too much large quantities. The destruction of the vitamin occurs under the influence of light or due to exposure to an alkaline solution.
They first started talking about this vitamin only in 1929. Then they didn’t know what kind of substance it was, and only assumed that it affected blood clotting. Six years later, the vitamin received the name koagulations vitamin (K), because it controls the degree of blood clotting in the human body.
In addition, this vitamin is simply irreplaceable in the process of formation or recovery after injury. bone tissue. With its help, protein synthesis occurs, which is located in bone tissue, and this allows the formation of sufficient amounts of calcium. If there is a lack of vitamin K, this can lead to the development of osteoporosis and other similar diseases, because this element takes an active part in redox processes and regulates them.
As a rule, vitamin K enters the human body with food, and only a small part of it is synthesized by special microorganisms in the intestines. In order for it to begin to be absorbed, it is necessary to use bile.
It is worth noting that under the common name vitamin K is found quite large group vitamins that have a similar composition and perform approximately the same functions in the human body.
The most interesting are two vitamins from the group - K1 and K2, because they can be found in nature. K1 is present in large quantities in various plants, namely in their leaves. K2 is formed directly in the human body with the help of special microorganisms. A small amount is also secreted by liver cells. It is interesting that vitamin K is found in absolutely all tissues of both animals and humans. Depending on the type of fabric, its quantity will vary.
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How to replenish vitamin K reserves in the body
A lot of this element is found in green leafy vegetables. With their help, you can quickly replenish even a huge vitamin deficiency. Most vitamin K is found in foods such as: 
- cabbage;
- nettle;
- green tomatoes;
- wheat;
- oats;
- rye;
- spinach;
- rose hips and so on.
If there is a deficiency of vitamin K, you can replenish reserves with the help of herbs such as alfalfa, oats, kelp or green tea. These plants contain a huge amount of an element necessary for us. In addition, you need to eat pork liver and eggs, which will prevent vitamin K deficiency.
As mentioned above, a small part the body can produce reserves independently with the help of special microorganisms that live in small intestine. It is worth remembering the fact that for the absorption of vitamin K you need at least a minimal amount of fat. In this case, it does not matter what type of vitamin should be absorbed, obtained from plant foods or synthesized independently.
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If you are taking any antibiotics, your body needs more vitamin K, so you may want to start taking vitamin complexes or vitamin K directly. This occurs because antibiotics kill the bacteria that are responsible for the synthesis of this vitamin. In addition, medication use is reflected of this type still being learned.
During pregnancy (last 3 months), stop taking this element of synthetic origin, because it can cause toxic poisoning in the child.
If there is too much of this element in the body, then sweat production increases and very noticeable redness may appear throughout the body.
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Lack of vitamin K in the human body
If a vitamin deficiency occurs, it will immediately affect a person’s health. Accordingly, it will be possible to see the first symptoms of the problem. If there is not enough of the element, a disease such as hemorrhagic syndrome will begin to develop very quickly.
If we talk about newborns, then a small amount of vitamin K in the baby’s body leads to regular bleeding from the nose, navel, mouth area, or blood can be detected in the urine.
Vomiting of blood often occurs, because minor bleeding also opens in the stomach. The feces become tar-like and small hematomas appear.
Vitamin K deficiency in an adult can manifest itself in different ways. Everything will depend on the degree of the disease. As a rule, the lack of this element is expressed by numerous bleeding from the gums and nose. Quite large hematomas occur, bleeding appears in the stomach or even in the intestines.
The very first sign of vitamin K hypovitaminosis is sufficient low level prothrombin in human blood. If the amount of prothrombin is within 35%, then this can lead to hemorrhage when receiving even a minor injury. The consequences of the fact that the prothrombin level drops to 20% will be even more severe, up to the opening of arbitrary bleeding.
Vitamin A deficiency - pathological condition associated with a deficiency of a substance in the body. It manifests itself as blurred vision, xerophthalmia, conjunctivitis, dry skin and other symptoms. Lack of vitamin A leads to diseases of the intestines and respiratory tract.
The role and norms of vitamin A in the body
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble substance. It has two forms: carotene (provitamin A, vitamin A2, found in plant foods) and retinol (the original vitamin, A1, comes from animal foods). Conversion of carotene into retinol, reserve accumulation occurs in the liver. Additional depot is adipose tissue. The body always has a supply of retinol, which is released when needed.
Retinol performs important functions:
- accelerates oxidative processes;
- slows down aging;
- participates in cell growth, regeneration, formation of dental and bone tissue;
- responsible for maintaining the integrity of the epithelium;
- stimulates work immune system, gonads;
- is an antioxidant: protects cells from damage and malignant degeneration;
- is directly involved in the functioning of the visual organs. Vitamin A is a participant in the resynthesis of rhodopsin, a pigment found in retinal rods. With a lack of vitamin A, synthesis is disrupted, hemeralopia develops - decreased twilight vision;
- responsible for the normal development of the embryo.
It is very important for children - it ensures growth and development in accordance with age.
Norms of daily intake (80% of the norm in the form of retinol, the remaining 20% in the form of carotenoids):
- 0-12 months: 0.4 mg;
- 1-3 years: 0.45 mg;
- 4-6 years: 0.5 mg;
- 7-10 years: 0.7 mg;
- 11-50 years: 0.8 mg;
- pregnant women: 0.8 + 0.2 mg;
- nursing mothers: 0.8 + 0.4 mg.
Persons engaged in heavy physical labor need 1 mg of the vitamin daily. This category is at risk for hypovitaminosis A.
Causes of vitamin A deficiency
The level of vitamin A in newborns is low, but in the first days of life it quickly increases due to intake with colostrum, breast milk, and adapted formulas. In healthy children and adults who are on balanced diet, the risk of developing hypo- and vitamin A deficiency is low. What leads to the pathological condition?
- A diet deficient in foods rich in vitamin A. Minimizing milk, vegetables, fruits, butter, eggs, liver, and fats in the diet can lead to deficiency;
- Being on parenteral nutrition;
- Low intake of protein foods. Leads to a lack of protein - a vitamin carrier;
- Impaired absorption of retinol in the intestine with: celiac disease, celiac disease, cholecystitis, spastic colitis, Crohn's disease, diseases of the liver, pancreas, intestines, anemia, alcoholism, cholestasis, disseminated tuberculosis, long-term use of mineral oil;
- Loss of vitamin by the body due to: oncological diseases, chronic infections, diseases of the urinary tract;
- Conditions in which intensive consumption of vitamin A occurs: rapid growth and development, pregnancy, lactation, increased physical and mental stress, stress.
Pathogenesis of vitamin A deficiency
The exogenous form of hypovitaminosis A is rare; the condition is mostly secondary - i.e. indirectly by one or another pathology.
Vitamin A deficiency causes pathological change skin, its derivatives and mucous membranes: atrophy of sweat secretions, salivary glands, dryness of the skin and membranes lining Airways(nostrils, paranasal sinuses, trachea, bronchi). According to some vitaminologists, psoriasis is also associated with hypovitaminosis A.
Signs of Vitamin A Deficiency
They do not develop immediately and indicate severe hypovitaminosis.
- Dryness of the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose;
- Single white spots on the oral mucosa;
- Dryness, flaking of the skin;
- (late symptom);
- Deep cracks in the skin in the area of the knee and elbow joints;
- The appearance of wrinkles, early aging;
- “Goose bumps” on the thighs;
- Acne;
- Severe hair loss;
- Dandruff;
- Fragility of nail plates;
- Deterioration of twilight vision;
- Pain in the eyes in bright light;
- Dryness, dullness of the conjunctiva;
- Corneal keratinization;
- Decreased secretion of the lacrimal glands;
- Iskersky plaques - Bito on the sclera of the eyes;
- In severe cases, necrotic softening of the cornea (keratomalacia), resulting in blindness.
The combination of decreased twilight vision, dryness, clouding of the conjunctiva - reliable sign vitamin A deficiency in the body.
Lack of vitamin A in children is manifested by slow growth, constant fatigue, decreased immunity, dry, pale skin, color blindness, and decreased twilight vision.
Nonspecific symptoms of vitamin A deficiency:
- decreased performance,
- insomnia,
- reproductive dysfunction,
- decreased immunity,
- frequent, long-term infectious diseases.
Symptoms of long-term vitamin A deficiency
Long-term hypovitaminosis A leads to vitamin deficiency and serious problems with health:
- dermatitis;
- intestinal infections;
- anemia;
- bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia;
- purulent encephalitis;
- cysts in the liver;
- urinary incontinence;
- mastopathy, cervical erosion, thrush in women;
- decreased libido and erection in men;
- chronic infections.
The role of vitamin A deficiency in the development of pancreatic and lung cancer cannot be ruled out.
Diagnosis of its deficiency
The approach to diagnosis is comprehensive.
- Biomicroscopy of the eye (yellowish and white small plaques);
- Determination of vitamin A content in blood serum (normal: 0.3 to 0.8 mcg/ml);
- Study of dark adaptation of vision (leading symptom).
Treatment of vitamin A deficiency
A diet rich in provitamin and vitamin A is prescribed. If hypovitaminosis is associated with a violation of the diet, this measure is sufficient. It is important to remember that A is a fat-soluble substance: fats are necessary for its absorption and must be present in food. Quitting smoking and alcohol is mandatory. 
- Retinol preparations are prescribed orally or intramuscularly. Daily allowance therapeutic dose 25,000-50,000 IU retinol (rarely at maximum daily dose 100,000 IU). When administered internally, the dose is divided into 2-3 doses; when administered by injection, it is administered as one infection. The course of treatment is 2-4 weeks, in prophylactic doses – 2-3 months.
- The dose of retinol for children is calculated individually by age, the upper permissible level is no more than 1000 mcg (20,000 IU). Average doses:
- children under one year old 1650 ME;
- children 1-6 years old 3300 ME;
- children from 7 years old 5000 ME.
Vitamin A preparations for children and adults
- Retinol acetate solution in oil, 100,000 IU in 1 ml;
- Retinol acetate (vitamin A in capsules) for children over 18 years of age and adults, 33,000 IU in 1 capsule.
- How to give vitamin A to children? Oil solution - on a piece of black bread. Capsules - whole, washed down with water.
- Vitamin A and E are often prescribed together. A popular drug for children over 14 years of age and adults: Aevit.
Lack and excess of vitamin A are equally dangerous for the body. Long-term treatment retinol in doses of 100,000 IU per day is fraught with the development of hypervitaminosis, which is characterized by: subcutaneous hemorrhages, vomiting, nausea, headache, redness of the skin. Self-treatment and changing the dose without a doctor's prescription is unacceptable.
Sources of vitamin A and carotene/per 100 g. product:
| Products | Retinol (IU) – animal food | Carotene (ME) – plant food |
| Beef liver | 15000 | — |
| Pork liver | 5000 | — |
| Butter | 2000 | — |
| Veal liver | 4000 | — |
| Sour cream | 700 | — |
| Cottage cheese 0% fat | 130 | — |
| Fat cottage cheese | 800 | — |
| Herring | 110 | — |
| Milk | 90 | — |
| Carrot | — | 15000 |
| Parsley | — | 13000 |
| Red rowan | — | 10000 |
| Sorrel | 10000 | |
| Spinach | — | 10000 |
| Green salad | — | 3200 |
| Prunes | — | 2000 |
| Pumpkin | — | 1600 |
| Tomatoes | — | 850 |
| Peas | — | 800 |
| Chanterelles | — | 800 |
| Peaches | — | 750 |
| Apricots | — | 700 |
| White cabbage | — | 630 |
| Green beans | — | 450 |
| Plum | — | 370 |
| Blackberry | — | 300 |
| Green peas | — | 200 |
Prevention
A balanced diet is a simple way to prevent vitamin deficiency for healthy person. For people suffering from diseases that impair the absorption of the vitamin in the intestines, it is important to periodically take retinol preparations in preventive doses (5000-10,000 IU) in courses 2-3 weeks, better than multivitamins ( Vitrum, Duovit, Complivit and etc.).
Consequences
The started process is dangerous due to significant deterioration of vision, malfunction of the immune system, digestive systems, premature aging. A lack of vitamin A causes illness and is fraught with a high risk of cancer. To prevent this, at the first sign of vitamin A deficiency, you should consult a doctor.
