4 minPerhaps one of the least known vitamins, but certainly not the least important. We are talking about vitamin K. In general, we do not have a deficiency of this vitamin in our bodies, but there are groups that are at risk due to special circumstances. Research shows that vitamin K plays a potential role in the risk of cardiovascular disease. In this article, we provide you with all the information you need.
In this article, you will read
- Why vitamin K is important for your body
- Which groups are more likely to have a vitamin K deficiency
- What the symptoms of a vitamin K deficiency are
- How vitamin K can affect cardiovascular disease
Risk groups for vitamin K deficiency
Vitamin K is important for bone metabolism and blood clotting. A vitamin K deficiency therefore increases the risk of a brain haemorrhage.
The body produces vitamin K itself. This is quite unique, because the body cannot produce other vitamins itself and we have to obtain them from our diet, possibly supplemented with supplements.
Vitamin K is produced in your intestines. This requires intestinal bacteria. An imbalance in the intestinal flora is therefore the main cause of vitamin K deficiency. For this reason, but also due to a number of other circumstances, the following groups are more likely to suffer from vitamin K deficiency.
#1 Long-term antibiotic users
Vitamin K deficiencies mainly occur in people who take antibiotics for long periods of time, because antibiotics destroy intestinal bacteria. This prevents the body from producing sufficient vitamin K itself.
It is advisable to take extra vitamin K if you are chronically ill and taking antibiotics. This group is more likely to experience bleeding as a result of vitamin K deficiency than others who do get enough vitamin K.
#2 People with chronic gastrointestinal diseases
Like people who have been taking antibiotics for a long time, people with a chronic condition such as Crohn's disease suffer from a significantly reduced vitamin K production. Crohn's disease often manifests itself at a young age, between 15 and 30 years. Another chronic intestinal inflammation is ulcerative colitis, which is more common in young adults and middle-aged people.
Foods rich in vitamin K are recommended for people with chronic intestinal inflammation.
#3 Babies
During the first 12 weeks of life, babies do not have enough intestinal bacteria to produce vitamin K in their intestines. This causes babies to have a vitamin deficiency, which can lead to serious bleeding if they are not given vitamin K. This applies to babies who are breastfed or who drink less than 500 ml of formula per day.
Please note the following: Vitamin K is often added to formula. If your baby already receives more than 500 millilitres of formula per day, then your child is getting enough vitamin K. If you give less than 500 millilitres of formula per day, then you must give extra vitamin K with a supplement.
In addition to vitamin K, babies also need extra vitamin D.
Vitamin K deficiency symptoms
Symptoms that you may experience with a vitamin K deficiency are often related to blood clotting:
- You bruise easily
- Your wounds bleed for a long time
- In the long term, your bones become weaker
- Spontaneous bleeding, such as a nosebleed or bleeding gums
Vitamin K and cardiovascular disease
In recent years, there has been regular research into the role of vitamin K in cardiovascular disease. Although vitamin K is best known for its role in blood clotting and bone health, there is also evidence that it plays a role in blood vessels.
It appears that vitamin K can help keep blood vessels supple. Supple blood vessels reduce your risk of heart attack.
Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in most countries. Normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels and good blood circulation ensure healthy heart and blood vessels.
Conclusion
Although vitamin K may be less well known, it is still a real must for your health. From supporting blood clotting to keeping your bones strong and your blood vessels supple, vitamin K plays an important role in many areas. It is especially important to pay attention to your vitamin K intake if you belong to a risk group, such as babies, long-term antibiotic users or people with chronic intestinal problems. This will ensure that your body continues to function optimally!
