What Are the Causes of Vitamin K Dropping?

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is crucial for blood coagulation. Without it, blood clotting disorders and serious problems arise. Although your body can store it, not a lot is accessible unless you have adequate amounts in your diet. Many foods have small amounts of vitamin K, but the best sources are green vegetables, such as lettuce and cabbage. You also get it from oils, with soybean having the most. Certain medical conditions, a poor diet, medications and other issues are responsible for vitamin K dropping.

Vitamin K Levels

• Normally, an adult has a plasma vitamin K range between 0.2 to 3.2 ng/mL per day, according to the Vitamin Basics website. When these levels fall below 0.5, then blood clotting might not function properly. Yet, vitamin K levels fluctuate depending on what you eat, so levels are difficult to ascertain. Males need to consume about 80 mg per day, while women need 65 mg. A newborn needs 5 mg daily.

Conditions

• Certain medical conditions make it difficult to maintain vitamin K levels due to poor absorption. Some of these include diseases of the liver and gall bladder, Chron's disease and celiac disease. Someone who has suffered third-degree burns might also have a low vitamin K level. Those who have internal bleeding for a medical disorder or due to trauma also can experience a rapid decline. Individuals who have had stomach removal procedures for weight loss might have a lower vitamin K level that needs to be monitored.

Inadequate Diet

• It is difficult to have a vitamin K deficiency because foods such as milk and have vitamin K. Babies are born with low levels and could develop serious complications when a low level drops further. If you are malnourished, are an alcoholic or have an eating disorder such as bulimia, your vitamin K level could be low. Foods that contain Olestra can interfere with vitamin K absorption. Eat lots of green and yellow vegetables to avoid a deficiency. Also, consult a physician before eating excess vitamin K foods or taking supplements.

Medications

• Some antibiotics can deplete the body of vitamin K. Cephelosporons is a particular class of antibiotics that can cause vitamin k levels to drop. Dilantin is a drug taken by those who have seizures or epilepsy that also wreaks havoc on vitamin K levels. So can Coumadin, which is often taken to thin the blood. Even taking antacids frequently can contribute to stomach issues and vitamin absorption problems over time. Consult a physician about the medications you are taking to see if they may be causing the vitamin problem or it they can be changed.