Vitamin K comes in two forms. The first is vitamin K-1 (phylloquinone), which is found in plant foods such as spinach and kale. The second, vitamin K-2 (menaquinone), is synthesized by the body in the digestive tract. Both forms of vitamin K are involved in the production of protein required for the formation of blood clots, a process called coagulation and prevents internal and external bleeding.
Deficiency of vitamin K determines the violation of 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. At the same time, infants are more prone to developing vitamin K deficiency.
Causes and risk factors for vitamin K deficiency
Risk factors for adults are:
- taking anticoagulants that prevent 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 absorption is also impaired, resulting in decreased absorption of vitamin K. This condition may result from problems such as celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, bowel or biliary tract disease, or resection of part of the intestine.
In infants, the tendency to develop vitamin K deficiency is due to several reasons, including:
- feeding with breast milk poor in vitamin K
- delivery of insufficient amounts of vitamin K across the placenta
- reduced efficiency of vitamin K use by the infant's liver.
Vitamin K is rich in green leafy vegetables, prunes and dairy products.
Vitamin K deficiency symptoms
The main symptom is pathological bleeding. You can find them with a cut or bruise. In addition, easy bruising, small blood clots under the nails, bleeding of the inner mucous membranes, and black or blood-streaked stools can also be signs of deficiency.
If a baby is suspected of vitamin K deficiency, the doctor will pay attention to bleeding of the umbilical wound, skin, nose, gastrointestinal tract, bleeding of the penis after circumcision, or sudden cerebral hemorrhages - acute serious conditions that threaten the life of the child.
Diagnostics
The doctor will ask about the presence of such problems in family members in order to assess the risks, and may also prescribe a prothrombin time test, with which it is possible to determine the time of clot formation. If it is more than 13.5 seconds, it is probably a vitamin K deficiency.Before doing such an analysis, you should refrain from eating foods containing a large amount of vitamin K: liver, cauliflower and collard greens, broccoli, chickpeas, green tea and soy.
Treatment
With a diagnosed vitamin K deficiency, phytonadione is prescribed - a vitamin K preparation (taken orally, but can also be administered as an injection in case of malabsorption). The dose is selected individually.
Vitamin K and newborns
The appointment of an injection of vitamin K in newborns is carried out in order to prevent the development of a deficiency. At risk are:
- prematurely born
- babies whose mothers are taking antiepileptic or anti-tuberculosis drugs, anticoagulants
- infants with malabsorption due to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or liver
- Newborns who have not received an injection of vitamin K, who are exclusively breastfed, or who have received antibiotic treatment.
Deficiency of vitamin K in the body immediately manifests itself in pronounced disturbances in well-being, and later, if not eliminated, in health disorders. This substance is essential for the proper functioning of systems and organs. Its main function is to regulate the blood clotting process. Partly vitamins are synthesized by special microorganisms present in the human intestine, and partly come with food. Seeking medical help if you suspect a vitamin deficiency is required.
Daily intake of vitamin K
The daily allowance depends on age
The daily intake of vitamin K depends on age. Children in the first six months of life need 2 micrograms of the substance per day. In the period from 6 months to a year, the dose rises to 2.5 micrograms. As you grow older, the need for a substance increases, as does its daily rate, as follows:
- from one to 3 years - 30 mcg per day;
- from 3 to 8 years old - 55 mcg per day;
- from 8 to 13 years old - 60 mcg per day;
- from 14 to 18 years old - 75 mcg per day;
- from 19 years old - 90 kg per day.
In women during pregnancy, the need for vitamin K increases. During gestation, 1 to 2 milligrams of the substance is required per day. Breastfeeding also increases the daily intake of the vitamin. In the first month after childbirth, it requires 3.5 milligrams, and then until the end of breastfeeding - 2 milligrams per day.
Lack of vitamin K in the body: signs and causes
Kidney disease can cause low vitamin levels
There are many reasons for the 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 violation. In childhood, the phenomenon most often occurs due to improperly formed intestinal microflora and improperly selected formula for artificial feeding. Babies who are breastfed may not get enough vitamin K if the mother lacks it.
Anticoagulant overdose is the cause of hypovitaminosis
In adults, the main reasons why vitamin K deficiency develops are considered by doctors:
- gallstone disease, due to which the normal flow of bile into the intestines is disrupted, which alters the digestion process;
- a long period of intravenous nutrition in severely ill patients;
- hepatitis;
- liver cirrhosis of various nature;
- cancer and their treatment with chemotherapy;
- long-term use of a number of medications, including antibiotics and antimicrobial agents;
- incorrect use of anticoagulants in violation of dosages or if they are prescribed to the patient independently without consulting a doctor;
- a prolonged period of malnutrition or a strict diet in which the diet is unbalanced;
- pathology of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract;
- an excess of calcium and phosphorus in the body, which adversely affect the synthesis of vitamin K;
- severe kidney pathology in a chronic form;
- passing the hemodialysis procedure;
- severe 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 with regard to vitamin K. Symptoms of a substance deficiency in the body are usually pronounced, manifested 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 damage;
- anemia;
- severe weakness and increased fatigue;
- cartilaginous calcification;
- extremely heavy menstruation, which often requires medication to stop bleeding.
If the level of vitamin K is critically reduced in a newborn child, then this can occur with vitamin deficiency in relation to this substance in the mother during gestation, especially in the later stages. 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 hemorrhage. The condition of such a child is assessed as serious, and he needs urgent medical attention. Cases of such vitamin deficiency in infants are rare.
Analysis for vitamin K: indications and preparation
The doctor will inform you about the peculiarities of the preparation.
Indications for a blood test for vitamin K are the presence of symptoms of its deficiency. Also, such a study is required in preparation for serious surgical operations to assess the quality of blood clotting.
No complicated preparation for analysis is needed. To obtain correct results, it is only necessary to maintain a fasting diet before the study for 6 hours and do not smoke for an hour before taking blood. If a particular patient requires any special conditions of preparation, the doctor will inform him about this.
Correction of vitamin K levels: diet and medication
What is Vitamin K Deficiency
Vitamin K deficiency typical for newborns. In adults, it occurs against the background of the underlying disease.
Vitamin K- the general name of 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 the intestinal microflora. Additional sources - alfalfa leaves, pork liver, fishmeal and vegetable oils, spinach, cauliflower, rose hips, green tomatoes.
The physiological role of vitamin K- participation in the activation of blood coagulation factors (II [prothrombin], VII [proconvertin], IX [Christmas factor], X [Stuart-Prower factor]) in the liver by y-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 the synthesis of vitamin K by the intestinal microflora, for example, with oral administration of antibiotics and sulfonamides.
- Impaired absorption of vitamin K.
- Insufficient intake of bile - external biliary fistulas, obstruction of the biliary tract, etc.
- Consuming large amounts of mineral oils (for example, petroleum jelly).
- Liver dysfunction (eg, with hepatitis, cirrhosis).
- Treatment with indirect anticoagulants.
- In newborns aged 3 to 5 days, the intestines are not yet inhabited by microflora capable of synthesizing vitamin K in sufficient quantities. Therefore, in children of the first days of life, hemorrhagic syndrome often occurs.
- Cases of vitamin K deficiency due to insufficient dietary intake have not been described.
Vitamin K Deficiency Symptoms
- Hemorrhagic syndrome (nose, gastrointestinal bleeding, bleeding from the gums, intradermal and subcutaneous hemorrhage), usually accompanying the underlying disease.
- With obstructive jaundice, hemorrhagic syndrome usually appears on the 4-5th day.
In newborns who are breastfed (breast milk contains little vitamin K) and do not receive adequate doses of vitamin K, intracranial hemorrhage or other manifestations of hemorrhagic syndrome may occur.
Diagnosis of Vitamin K Deficiency
- Hypoprothrombinemia below 30-35%, deficiency of plasma factors VII, IX and X.
- The prothrombin time is increased by 25% (a pathognomonic sign of vitamin K deficiency with the exclusion of another pathology).
Differential diagnosis - liver damage, therapy with anticoagulants or salicylates; other diseases accompanied by bleeding (scurvy, allergic purpura, leukemia, thrombocytopenia).
Treatment for 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).
- Fitomenadione 10 mg (dose for adults) s / c or i / m or in acute hypoprothrombinemia i / v (in 5% glucose solution or 0.9% sodium chloride solution at a rate not exceeding 1 mg / min); inside, 5-20 mg 3-4 times a day. Doses and duration of treatment depend on blood coagulation indicators (prothrombin index, coagulogram, etc.).
- Vikasol 15-30 mg / day orally or 10-15 mg / day i.m.
Prevention of Vitamin K Deficiency
- Postoperative administration of vitamin K for parenteral nutrition.
- For the prevention of hemorrhagic disease, newborns are 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 ...
- Pregnant women are not recommended prophylactic use before childbirth due to the possible toxic effect on the fetus.
Which doctors should be consulted if you have a vitamin K deficiency
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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, then it will immediately affect the state of health.
Vitamin K - what is it
Vitamin K is one of those vitamins that dissolve exclusively in fats. The reserves of this useful substance are found in the human liver, but not in too large quantities. The destruction of the vitamin occurs under the influence of light or due to contact with an alkaline solution.
For the first time they started talking about this vitamin only in 1929. Then they did not know what kind of substance it was, and only assumed that it affects blood clotting. Six years later, the vitamin was named 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 from bone tissue injuries. With its help, protein synthesis occurs, which is located in the bone tissue, and this allows the formation of a sufficient amount 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 is actively involved in redox processes and is involved in their regulation.
As a rule, vitamin K enters the human body along with food, and only a small part of it is synthesized by special microorganisms in the intestine. In order for it to begin to be absorbed, it is necessary to use bile.
It should be noted that under the usual name vitamin K is a fairly large group of 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. Also, a small amount is secreted by liver cells. It is interesting that vitamin K is found in all tissues of both animals and humans. Depending on the type of fabric, it will be different and the amount.
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How to replenish vitamin K stores 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 you are deficient in vitamin K, you can also replenish stocks with herbs such as alfalfa, oats, kelp, or green tea. These plants contain a huge amount of the element we need. In addition, you need to eat pork liver and eggs, which will prevent vitamin K.
As mentioned above, the body can produce a small part of the reserves on its own with the help of special microorganisms that live in the small intestine. It is worth remembering that at least a minimum amount of fat is needed to assimilate vitamin K. It does not matter what type of vitamin should be assimilated, obtained from plant foods or synthesized independently.
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If you take any antibiotics, then the body needs more vitamin K, so you can start taking vitamin complexes or directly vitamin K. This happens due to the fact that antibiotics kill bacteria that are responsible for the synthesis of this vitamin. In addition, the intake of medications of this type is also reflected in the assimilation.
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 the secretion of sweat increases and very noticeable redness may appear throughout the body.
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Lack of vitamin K in the human body
If there is a vitamin deficiency, then this will immediately affect the state of human health. Accordingly, you will be able to see the first symptoms of the problem. If there is not a sufficient amount of an element, then 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 body of the crumbs leads to regular bleeding from the nose, navel, mouth area, or it will be possible to detect blood in the urine.
Often there is vomiting with blood, because minor bleeding also opens in the stomach. The feces become like tar, small bruises appear.
Avitaminosis K 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. Rather large hematomas appear, bleeding appears in the stomach or even in the intestines.
The very first sign of vitamin K hypovitaminosis is a fairly low level of 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 level of prothrombin drops to 20% will be even worse, up to the opening of arbitrary bleeding.
Lack of vitamin A is a pathological condition associated with a deficiency of a substance in the body. It manifests itself as visual impairment, 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 food). Conversion of carotene to retinol, reserve accumulation occurs in the liver. An additional depot is adipose tissue. The body always has a supply of retinol, which is released when needed.
Retinol has important functions:
- accelerates oxidative processes;
- slows down aging;
- participates in the growth, regeneration of cells, the formation of dental and bone tissue;
- is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the epithelium;
- stimulates the immune system, sex glands;
- is an antioxidant: protects cells from damage and malignant transformation;
- takes a direct part in the work of the organs of vision. Vitamin A is a participant in the resynthesis of rhodopsin, a pigment found in the rods of the retina. With a lack of vitamin A, synthesis is disrupted, hemeralopia develops - a decrease in twilight vision;
- is 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 its 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 old: 0.5 mg
- 7-10 years old: 0.7 mg
- 11-50 years: 0.8 mg
- pregnant women: 0.8 + 0.2 mg;
- lactating mothers: 0.8 + 0.4 mg.
Persons engaged in heavy physical labor need 1 mg of vitamin daily. This category is included in the risk group for hypovitaminosis A.
Causes of Vitamin A Deficiency
Vit. A level in newborns is low, but in the first days of life it rapidly increases due to intake with colostrum, breast milk, and adapted formulas. In healthy children and adults on a balanced diet, the risk of developing hypo- and avitaminosis A is small. What leads to a pathological condition?
- A diet deficient in foods rich in vitamin A. Minimizing milk, vegetables, fruits, butter, eggs, liver, fats in the diet can lead to insufficiency;
- Being on parenteral nutrition;
- Low intake of protein foods. Leads to a lack of protein - a carrier of the vitamin;
- Impaired absorption of retinol in the intestine with: celiac disease, celiac disease, cholecystitis, spastic colitis, Crohn's disease, liver disease, pancreas, intestines, anemia, alcoholism, cholestasis, disseminated tuberculosis, prolonged use of mineral oil;
- Loss of vitamin by the body in case of: oncological diseases, chronic infections, diseases of the urinary tract;
- Conditions in which intensive consumption of vit. A occurs: rapid growth and development, pregnancy, lactation, increased physical, mental stress, stress.
Pathogenesis of A-vitamin deficiency
The exogenous form of hypovitaminosis A is rare, mainly the condition is secondary - i.e. mediated by this or that pathology.
Lack of vitamin A causes a pathological change in the skin, its derivatives and mucous membranes: atrophy of the sweating, salivary glands, dry skin and membranes lining the respiratory tract (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, they indicate a pronounced hypovitaminosis.
- Dryness of the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose;
- Single white spots on the oral mucosa;
- Dry, flaky 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;
- Brittle nail plates;
- Worsening of twilight vision;
- Sore eyes in bright light;
- Dryness, dullness of the conjunctiva;
- Keratinization of the cornea;
- Decreased secretion of the lacrimal glands;
- Iskersky's plaques - Bito on the sclera of the eyes;
- In severe cases, necrotic softening of the cornea (keratomalacia), resulting in blindness.
The combination of reduced twilight vision, dryness, and clouding of the conjunctiva is a reliable sign of vitamin A deficiency in the body.
Lack of vit. And in children, it is manifested by a slowdown in growth, constant fatigue, a decrease in immunity, dryness, pallor of the skin, color blindness, and a drop in twilight vision.
Nonspecific Vitamin A Deficiency Symptoms:
- decreased performance,
- insomnia,
- violation of reproductive function,
- decreased immunity,
- frequent, long-term infectious diseases.
Symptoms of prolonged vitamin A deficiency
Prolonged vitamin A deficiency leads to vitamin deficiency and serious health problems:
- dermatitis;
- intestinal infections;
- anemia;
- bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia;
- purulent encephalitis;
- cysts in the liver;
- urinary incontinence;
- mastopathy, erosion of the cervix, yeast infection in women;
- decreased libido and erection in men;
- chronic infections.
The role of vitamin A deficiency in the development of pancreatic and lung cancer is not excluded.
Diagnosis of its deficiency
The diagnostic approach is complex.
- Biomicroscopy of the eye (yellowish and white small plaques);
- Determination of vitamin A content in blood serum (norm: 0.3 to 0.8 μg / ml);
- Investigation of dark adaptation of vision (leading symptom).
Vitamin A deficiency treatment
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. Refusal to smoke, alcohol is obligatory. 
- Retinol preparations are administered orally or intramuscularly. The daily therapeutic dose is 25,000-50,000 IU of retinol (rarely in a maximum daily dose of 100,000 IU). With internal administration, the dose is divided into 2-3 doses, with injection, it is administered with 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 according to age, the upper permissible level is not more than 1000 μg (20,000 IU). Average doses:
- children under 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 oily solution, 100,000 ME in 1 ml;
- Retinol acetate (vitamin A capsules) for children from 18 years of age and adults, 33,000 IU in 1 capsule.
- How to give vitamin A to children? Butter solution - on a slice of brown bread. Capsules - whole with water.
- Vitamin A and E are often given together. A popular drug for children from 14 years old and adults: Aevit.
Lack and excess of vitamin A are equally dangerous for the body. Long-term treatment with retinol in doses of 100,000 IU per day is fraught with the development of hypervitaminosis, which is characterized by: subcutaneous hemorrhage, vomiting, nausea, headache, skin redness. Self-treatment and changing the dose without a doctor's prescription are unacceptable.
Sources of vitamin A and carotene / per 100 gr. product:
| Products | Retinol (IU) - animal food | Carotene (IU) - 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 |
| Rowan red | — | 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
Rational nutrition is a simple way to prevent vitamin deficiency for a healthy person. For people suffering from diseases that disrupt the absorption of the vitamin in the intestine, periodic intake of retinol preparations in prophylactic doses (5000-10,000 IU) in courses 2-3 weeks, better than multivitamins ( Vitrum, Duovit, Complivit and etc.).
Effects
The launched process is dangerous with a significant deterioration in vision, a malfunction of the immune, digestive systems, and premature aging. Lack of vitamin A causes illness and carries a high risk of cancer. To prevent this, at the first sign of a lack of vitamin A, you should consult your doctor.
