VitaminKDefizienz

Vitamin K deficiency is a condition characterized by insufficient levels of vitamin K in the body. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and plays a role in bone health. There are two primary forms of vitamin K: K1 (phylloquinone) and K2 (menaquinones).

The deficiency can arise from several factors. Inadequate dietary intake is a common cause, particularly in individuals with very restrictive diets or those who malabsorb fat. Conditions affecting fat absorption, such as Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, or celiac disease, can impair the body's ability to absorb vitamin K, which is fat-soluble. Certain medications, like some antibiotics and anticonvulsants, can also interfere with vitamin K metabolism or absorption.

Symptoms of vitamin K deficiency primarily relate to impaired blood clotting. This can manifest as easy bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual bleeding in women, and in severe cases, excessive bleeding after injury or surgery. For infants, deficiency can lead to a serious condition called vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB), which can cause bleeding in the brain.

Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to measure vitamin K levels and prothrombin time (a measure of blood clotting). Treatment usually involves vitamin K supplementation, either orally or through injection, depending on the severity and cause of the deficiency. For infants, a vitamin K injection at birth is standard practice to prevent VKDB. Dietary recommendations focus on increasing intake of vitamin K-rich foods like leafy green vegetables, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.