Vitamin K Deficiency

I suspected it because of my easy bruising, but my doctor confirmed it. He said it is VERY rare in adults, but because of the limited vegetables we eat, it's possible in patients like me. I'm going to be put on a prescription pill form of the vitamin. If that doesn't work, he will start injections (like the ones newborns get). Apparently, it is produced in the gut, but that part has been bypassed (I think that's right), so I don't absorb it like I should since it's fat soluble. Add to that equation that I don't have my gallbladder which helps to break down the fat soluable vitamins with bile, and I am deficient. The liver produces some bile, but not enough for me apparently. I hope I've explained that right. I don't really totally understand it, so I could have totally screwed the explanation up. All I know is I'm looking like I've been beaten for no reason, and my vitamin K levels are obviously low. So if you are bruising much easier after surgery, talk to your doctor! Take care, Ashleigh

Hey, bruising isn't the only thing a vitamin K deficieny does... Some physicians tend to think it saps or doesn't help Calcium do what it is suppose to do... Bone density is reduced with a lack of vitamin K. That is the main reason I eat Viactiv calcium chews... I realize they are NOT THE BEST source of calcium... but I take them more regularly than if they were a pill. Some of vitamin K's Major Benefits include: * Improves bone density, serving as the biological "glue" that helps plug calcium into your bone matrix * Helps you prevent and fight osteoporosis, a disease that affects more than 25 million Americans, mostly postmenopausal women * Aids in preventing hardening of the arteries, or arterial calcification * Helps prevent atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease) and heart failure One website indicates ... "There is emerging evidence that vitamin K may play a protective role in fighting age-related bone loss that is mediated through the vitamin K-dependent gamma-carboxylation of certain proteins in bone, including osteocalcin. The primary dietary form of vitamin K is phylloquinone vitamin K1, which is concentrated in green vegetables and certain plant oils. According to one study, women with low dietary intakes of vitamin K were more likely to have decreased bone density. These results are similar to those of other studies that found an increased risk of hip fracture among persons with low dietary levels of vitamin K." USA Suggested Vitamin K Dosage: Males 80 micrograms per day and females 70 micrograms per day. The best food sources include green leafy vegetables such as kale, parsley, spinach and broccoli. Smaller amounts are found in milk and other dairy products, meat, eggs, cereal, fruits and other vegetables. Besides kale, cheddar cheese, oats and cauliflower... Foods high in vitamin K? http://www.gicare.com/pated/edtot39.htm Just in case someone who is NOT a WLS patient is reading this... use caution and read this for a headsup.. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsSupplements/Interactions/VitaminKcs.html If anyone is in or near Canada... (Not sure how old this is, but worth checking out maybe.) The University of Toronto is conducting the first and largest study of its kind in Canada, performed in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. The researchers are looking for postmenopausal participants of any age to participate. Participants must NOT be taking Hormone Replacement Therapy, Bisphosphonates (or any medication that affects bone density), anti-coagulants or very high doses of vitamin A and/or E. For more information, contact: Osteoporosis Program - Vitamin K Study Toronto General Hospital 416-340-4843

Thank you for posting that valuable information! Since my first post, I've realized another reason I'm Vit K deficient. I am on daily antibiotics for my immune system disease, which kills the activating bacteria in the gut. So, hopefully the supplements will help! Thank you again! Ashleigh

Ashleigh, Wow, most interesting. Vit K is the one thing that my chewable multi-vitamin doesn't have so after seeing your experience I'm going to get an individual supplement to make up for that. The Vit K thing was mentioned by our nutritionist but she never suggested getting a separate supplement. I know you don't need alot of Vit K but still think we should be intaking some. Anyway, hold the Vit K helps! Best wishes, Kathy

Ashleigh, I chew about 2 viactivs/day for 80mcg of Vitamin K. With 3 glasses of skim/day, that should take care of your needs. J