Vitamin K deficiency
Vitamin K deficiency is a medical condition that occurs when the body lacks sufficient amounts of Vitamin K, a nutrient essential for blood clotting and bone health.
Pronunciation
The term "Vitamin K deficiency" is pronounced as /ˈvaɪtəmɪn keɪ dɪˈfɪʃənsi/.
Etymology
The term "Vitamin K" comes from the German word "Koagulationsvitamin," which refers to the vitamin's role in blood coagulation. The term "deficiency" comes from the Latin word "deficientia," meaning "a lack or shortage."
Symptoms
Symptoms of Vitamin K deficiency may include easy bruising, excessive bleeding from wounds, blood in urine or stools, and heavy menstrual periods. In severe cases, it can lead to Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn in infants and Osteoporosis in adults.
Causes
Vitamin K deficiency can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor diet, certain medications, malabsorption disorders such as Celiac disease, and liver disease.
Treatment
Treatment for Vitamin K deficiency typically involves increasing dietary intake of Vitamin K-rich foods, such as green leafy vegetables, and in severe cases, Vitamin K supplements may be prescribed.
Related Terms
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