Is Vitamin K Deficiency a Concern for Me?
I am a 37-year-old female, standing 5 feet 2 inches and weighing 110 pounds. I have a medical background that includes conditions such as POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), endometriosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, and reactive arthritis. My current medication regimen includes metoprolol, algae oil for omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and I have recently begun taking vitamin K2. Additionally, I discontinued the use of Lo Loestrin FE two months ago. For the past five years, my diet was predominantly vegan. Although I avoided processed foods, there were some health and mental health challenges that may have affected my ability to plan nutritious meals adequately, possibly leading to nutritional shortcomings. Last year, I experienced a wide range of unusual symptoms that resulted in a POTS diagnosis after a hospital stay. Since then, I have made progress, partly due to metoprolol and physical therapy. During my hospitalization, my partial thromboplastin time (PTT) results were slightly elevated, yet my physician did not discuss these findings with me, and I was still administered Lovenox, indicating there was likely no cause for concern at the time. Lately, I've begun to notice the emergence of small red dots on my arms, which appear to be increasing in number. I consulted with my primary care physician, but he had difficulty seeing them, potentially due to lighting. He suggested they might be moles or angiomas, but I remain cautious and suspect they could be petechiae. Fortunately, I am not experiencing excessive bruising or bleeding from my gums or nose, which I hope is a good sign that my condition is not serious. Additionally, I have observed an increase in hair thinning, breakage, and pitting of my nails, along with dry skin. To address my concerns, I have recently started incorporating eggs back into my diet along with a new supplement. Given these factors, do you think it’s possible that I have a vitamin K deficiency? Would it be advisable for me to ask for a test?
Answers (1)
7/27/2025, 5:10:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
Vitamin K deficiency can potentially be a concern, especially considering your dietary history and current symptoms. However, it's essential to examine the details to assess your situation more clearly.
Explanation
Vitamin K plays a crucial role in blood clotting and bone health. Since you've primarily followed a vegan diet, you may have had limited access to food sources rich in vitamin K, which include leafy greens and animal products. Additionally, your current health conditions and symptoms, such as the small red dots (which could be petechiae), hair thinning, and brittle nails, could indicate certain nutritional deficiencies or other health issues.
Your elevated partial thromboplastin time (PTT) during hospitalization suggests there might have been some clotting irregularities at that time, but since your physician indicated no immediate concern, it's essential to approach this matter carefully.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, especially any changes in the red dots, hair thinning, and nail condition. This will be helpful for future discussions with healthcare providers.
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Dietary Adjustments: Incorporate more foods rich in vitamin K into your diet. Since you've introduced eggs, consider adding foods like spinach, kale, broccoli, and fermented foods. These can be beneficial not only for vitamin K but also for general nutrition.
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Supplement Check: Since you recently started taking vitamin K2, ensure you're taking it at the recommended dosage. K2 can help with calcium metabolism and support bone health, especially if you suspect deficiencies in other vitamins and minerals.
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Consider Testing: Given your concerns and symptoms, it could be valuable to discuss vitamin K testing with your primary care physician. Be specific about your concerns regarding possible deficiencies and the significance of your symptoms.
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Follow-Up Appointments: Schedule a follow-up visit with your primary care physician to discuss your symptoms in more detail, particularly the appearance of the red dots and your overall nutritional status. If necessary, get referred to a specialist, such as a hematologist or a nutritionist, if ongoing concerns arise.
Your health journey can be complex, but taking these steps can help you obtain clarity and support. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have further questions or concerns as you navigate this process.
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