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IGTS

Since the launch of IGTS in 2015, the main objective has been to support training and qualification in the health sector in its various categories. The group has thus sought to provide scientific and practical expertise from the largest medical experts in the Arab world, who we were honored to be part of the IGTS family. As a result of the success achieved by the group, we have focused on expanding in areas no less important than the health sector. Among these are business management - education and guidance - mental health - human resources - and others, more that are commensurate with the needs of human cadres and with the quality of learning that is a major start for every aspiration to receive science and self-development. The most important element of the IGTS strategy was the contracting of a group of experts, all of the members of teaching bodies in the largest Arab universities in all specialties, who believed in the science they provided and sought to research and develop it, in order to transfer the greatest amount of it to the student and make it most useful, through a flexible distance-learning method and in direct contact with the lecturer.

How Therapeutic Nutrition Helps Treat Vitamin K Deficiency?

What Is Vitamin K?

Vitamin K is one of the fat-soluble vitamins, which means it can be stored in the body for long periods. As a result, the body does not require large amounts of it daily. Vitamin K is available in a variety of foods and dietary supplements. In this article, we will explore therapeutic nutrition approaches for treating Vitamin K deficiency. Read also about Specialized Therapeutic Nutrition Program.

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Specialists in Therapeutic Nutrition have highlighted the importance of Vitamin K for the human body, as it plays a vital role in blood clotting and contributes significantly to maintaining healthy bones.

There are two main types of Vitamin K:

Phylloquinone, also known as Vitamin K1, which is the primary form of Vitamin K obtained from plant-based sources.
Menaquinone, also known as Vitamin K2, which is mainly obtained from animal-based sources.(1)

Benefits of Vitamin K According to Therapeutic Nutrition Experts

Vitamin K helps protect the body from internal and external bleeding caused by excessive blood thinning because it supports the production of a protein called prothrombin, which is responsible for maintaining normal blood clotting.
Vitamin K is commonly given to newborns to prevent bleeding complications.
Vitamin K is prescribed for individuals with VKCFD clotting factor deficiency, which is usually hereditary, to prevent sudden bleeding episodes.
It is often recommended for individuals with low prothrombin levels.
Some individuals take blood-thinning medications such as warfarin to prevent blood clots. In these cases, Vitamin K supplements may be prescribed in controlled doses to maintain a healthy balance between blood clotting and blood fluidity.
Vitamin K supports bone health by increasing bone density, which helps reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
Vitamin K plays an important role in cardiovascular health by helping regulate blood pressure and improving the heart’s ability to pump blood throughout the body.
It may reduce the risk of blood cancer.
It helps maintain normal cholesterol levels in the blood.
It may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Some researchers believe Vitamin K may help improve stretch marks.
It may help reduce skin rashes in people with cancer or multiple sclerosis.
It may help reduce joint swelling, especially in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

(2)

The Amount of Vitamin K the Human Body Needs According to Therapeutic Nutrition Experts

The human body requires relatively small amounts of Vitamin K, approximately 1 microgram per kilogram of body weight. For example, a person weighing 70 kilograms would need around 70 micrograms of Vitamin K daily. The body uses part of this amount while storing the remaining quantity in the liver for future use. Therefore, it is not always necessary to consume Vitamin K-rich foods every single day.

6 Symptoms of Vitamin K Deficiency

Doctors specializing in Therapeutic Nutrition have identified several symptoms associated with Vitamin K deficiency, including:

Bleeding from minor cuts or wounds.
Blood in the stool.
Frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums.
Heavy menstrual bleeding.
Gastrointestinal bleeding.
Newborns may experience bleeding from the nose, umbilical cord, digestive system, or even life-threatening brain hemorrhage.(4)

Causes of Vitamin K Deficiency

Experts in Therapeutic Nutrition have pointed to several causes that may lead to Vitamin K deficiency, including:

Taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin.
Fat malabsorption caused by digestive disorders such as celiac disease and cystic fibrosis, which reduces Vitamin K absorption.
Using certain types of antibiotics.
Newborns are more vulnerable to Vitamin K deficiency because:

Breast milk contains low levels of Vitamin K.

Only very small amounts of Vitamin K pass to the fetus because it does not effectively cross the placenta.(5)

Diagnosis and Treatment of Vitamin K Deficiency

First: Diagnosing Vitamin K Deficiency

Doctors usually identify Vitamin K deficiency after sudden bleeding episodes. Patients are commonly asked to perform a PT/INR test, which is the primary diagnostic test for Vitamin K deficiency. This test measures the time required for blood clotting. The normal clotting time ranges between 11–13.5 seconds. If clotting takes longer than this range, it may indicate Vitamin K deficiency.

Second: Treating Vitamin K Deficiency

If a person is diagnosed with Vitamin K deficiency, doctors may prescribe phytonadione injections or tablets, which are forms of Vitamin K1. Doses usually range from 1–25 mg. However, individuals taking blood-thinning medications may require smaller doses between 1–10 mg to avoid drug interactions. Newborns are commonly given a single Vitamin K1 injection ranging from 0.5–1 mg, although the dosage may increase if the mother is taking blood thinners or anti-seizure medications.(4),(6)