Vitamins are essential components required for the proper functioning of the human body. They are required in small quantities in the diet and play different roles in the body.

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in blood clotting, bone metabolism, and cardiovascular health. Deficiency of vitamin K can lead to several health problems. In this article, we will discuss 10 health problems caused by vitamin K deficiency.

1. Bleeding and easy bruising

Vitamin K plays a vital role in blood clotting. When we have an injury, vitamin K helps to activate the proteins that help to form a blood clot. Vitamin K deficiency can lead to an increased tendency to bleed and easy bruising.

2. Gastrointestinal bleeding

Deficiency of vitamin K can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. Gastrointestinal bleeding can be seen as blood in vomit or stool.

3. Osteoporosis

Vitamin K plays an important role in bone metabolism. It helps to activate osteocalcin, a protein that is produced by the bone-forming cells called osteoblasts. Osteocalcin helps to deposit calcium in the bones, making them stronger.

Deficiency of vitamin K can lead to osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak and brittle.

4. Cardiovascular diseases

Vitamin K helps prevent hardening of the arteries by activating matrix GLA protein (MGP) which acts to prevent calcification of the arterial wall.

Vitamin K deficiency can lead to calcification of the arterial wall, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases like heart disease and stroke.

5. Dental cavities

Vitamin K plays a role in dental health. It helps to activate a protein called osteocalcin, which helps in the mineralization of teeth. Deficiency of vitamin K can lead to dental cavities.

6. Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN)

Vitamin K deficiency can lead to hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN). Infants are born with low levels of vitamin K, and if they are not given vitamin K supplements, they are at risk of developing HDN.

HDN can lead to bleeding in the brain, which can cause brain damage or death.

7. Menorrhagia

Vitamin K deficiency can lead to menorrhagia, a condition where there is heavy menstrual bleeding.

8. Anemia

Vitamin K deficiency can lead to anemia. Anemia is a condition where the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues.

9. Easy fatigue and weakness

Vitamin K deficiency can lead to easy fatigue and weakness. This is because the body needs vitamin K to activate the proteins that help in energy production.

10. Increased risk of cancer

There is evidence that vitamin K deficiency increases the risk of certain cancers, especially prostate cancer.

Conclusion

Vitamin K is an essential vitamin required for the proper functioning of the human body.

Deficiency of vitamin K can lead to several health problems such as bleeding and easy bruising, gastrointestinal bleeding, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, dental cavities, hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN), menorrhagia, anemia, easy fatigue, and weakness and an increased risk of cancer. It is important to include vitamin K-rich foods in the diet to prevent vitamin K deficiency.