| Causes of deficiency Deficiency
can occur in association with diseases that interfere with fat absorption. In addition
long-term treatment with oral antibiotics may temporarily eliminate intestinal bacteria as
a source for vitamin K and promote deficiency when the diet is marginal. Dietary
deficiency of this vitamin is very rare.
Signs and symptoms
The chief clinical manifestation of vitamin K deficiency, is an increased tendency to
bleed. Ecchymoses*, nosebleed, presence of haem in the urine, gastrointestinal bleeding
and postoperative haemorrhage is common.
* A small haemmorhagic spot in the skin
Prevention and treatment
Infants are supplemented with vitamin K to make up for their lack of vitamin K in
breast milk. Those having levels below 70%, the normal requirement of vitamin should be
supplemented accordingly.
Vitamin K
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