4 Health Conditions Linked to Vitamin K Deficiency Revealed!

Did you know that babies are at high risk of a vitamin K deficiency? This is why babies are given vitamin K injections to help prevent the effects of hemorrhaging due to vitamin K deficiency. When it comes to adults, the story takes a different form. This is because it could be challenging to detect vitamin K deficiency at a glance.

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble essential vitamin known for its role in blood clot formation. It is present in some foods, such as beef liver, green tea, lettuce, etc. Unhealthy diets full of carbs and processed foods have little or no vitamin K, so developing a deficiency is sometimes inevitable.

Can a deficiency in vitamin K cause diseases? The answer is yes. Read on to find out how.

Health Conditions Linked to Vitamin K Deficiency

When adults develop vitamin K deficiency, they can develop the following health conditions:

1. Osteoporosis:

   This is a bone disease that results from fragile bones, reduced bone density, and increased susceptibility to fractures. Thus, it is not enough to take calcium-rich foods for stronger bones or to prevent osteoporosis. This is because during calcium uptake in the body, two calcium-binding proteins involved, Matrix GLA proteins and osteocalcin, need Vitamin K to be activated. This implies that vitamin K deficiency affects the function of these proteins, which can lead to fragile bones and the onset of osteoporosis.

2. Vascular Calcification:

   This is a condition that occurs due to a buildup of mineral deposits in the walls of your arteries and veins. This is a life-threatening condition because it increases the risk of developing a heart attack, stroke, or even dementia. Fortunately, vitamin K, through its activation of Matrix GLA protein, stops calcium from being deposited in your arteries and joints.

3. Osteoarthritis:

   This condition occurs due to deterioration of the cartilage, influenced by age and other lifestyle factors. Osteoarthritis happens when there is inflammation and calcification of the cartilage. Vitamin K promotes the mineralization of calcium and inhibits the expression of inflammatory chemicals. This ultimately improves osteoarthritis in patients.

4. Cancer:

   Vitamin K influences cancer treatment by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines, which play a significant role in cancer progression. It increases the production of hydrogen peroxide in tumors, which helps kill cancer cells.

How to Improve Vitamin K Intake

The best way to boost vitamin K intake is by consuming Vitamin K-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, some fermented foods, meat, and chicken. People who cannot absorb enough vitamin K because of gallbladder disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, or Crohn’s disease will benefit more from taking a high-quality vitamin K supplement such as NATURE’SFIELD VITAMIN K.

The forms of vitamin K most beneficial to you are vitamin K1 and vitamin K2. Vitamin K1 plays a pivotal role in blood clotting, while vitamin K2 helps with proper absorption and utilization of calcium, among other numerous benefits. However, vitamin K1 can be converted to vitamin K2 by the microorganisms in your gut. Thus, overuse of antibiotics, which can disrupt the good bacteria residing in your gut, can negatively affect the availability of vitamin K2. Incorporate NATURE’SFIELD VITAMIN K and enjoy the benefits of this essential vitamin, which goes beyond bone health.