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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Related Questions
Concerns About a Possible Bite – How Should I Proceed?
I’m a 33-year-old female, weighing 115 pounds and standing at 5'4". I take medications like Vyvanse, Adderall, propranolol, and pantoprazole. While I face numerous mental health challenges, thankfully, my physical health remains stable. About two weeks ago, I was enjoying a conversation on my screened porch with my stepmother when I suddenly experienced a small, prickling sensation on my forearm. In a matter of minutes, I was overwhelmed by itchy hives that rapidly spread across my body, affecting areas like my scalp, eyelids, and groin. The spot where I initially felt the sting swelled up significantly—about the size of half a lime. Given that we had shared a few drinks, I decided against seeking medical help immediately. Unsure if it was a bite or a reaction to something I had touched, I took a very hot shower to soothe the irritation (at this point, the tiny wound wasn't visible until the following day). I then took some Benadryl, and by morning, the hives had completely vanished. The site where I initially felt the sting itched for roughly three to four days, but it was manageable. However, over the past two nights, I’ve heard some rustling noises—likely from a mouse, although I haven't investigated thoroughly. This has led to some unsettling thoughts as I have a deep-seated fear of rabies. When I looked up information on bat bites, they seemed somewhat similar to what I experienced. It was dark out, and neither my stepmother nor I saw a bat, so I’m left guessing. There was a spider web nearby where my arm was resting, but I’ve read that severe reactions to spider bites are uncommon, which makes my experience puzzling. I tend to have an excessive amount of health anxiety, along with a general sense of anxiety that often clouds my thinking. To be honest, online searches have been utterly unhelpful. So, what should I do now? Is there any reason to worry? Am I likely to be okay?
Unusual Breath Odor: A Cause for Concern?
I occasionally notice that my boyfriend, who is 23, has breath that carries a rather unpleasant odor reminiscent of decay. Despite him being meticulous about his hygiene, keeping up with regular dental visits, and maintaining a good tooth-brushing routine, there are moments when an odor akin to death wafts from his mouth. Given that his recent dental check-up yielded no issues, I suspect it is not related to oral health. In the past, I’ve had pets that succumbed to cancer, and they each emitted a similar scent before their passing. In fact, I’ve taken them to the veterinarian upon detecting this distinctive smell, which has consistently been an indicator of cancer. While it’s hard to articulate just how this odor manifests, it undeniably resonates with the essence of death. I’m left wondering if humans can also produce such a scent. I’ve refrained from discussing this with him, as I wouldn’t want to alarm him or make him feel self-conscious. However, if there is a legitimate concern on my part, I feel it might be worthwhile to gently suggest he sees a doctor. I would greatly appreciate any perspectives on this matter.
Removing Alcohol Dependency from Medical Records: Is It Possible?
I am a 35-year-old woman residing in the UK who has battled health anxiety for quite some time. My fears intensified when a relative faced severe liver complications, which heightened my worry regarding my own drinking habits—a valid concern given the harmful effects of alcohol. For several years, my routine involved consuming a bottle of wine about two to three times weekly. Remarkably, I had not encountered any significant problems connected to drinking; there were no blackouts, relationship breakdowns, or secretive behavior. Nonetheless, I wanted to address my habits before they escalated into a larger issue, thus I sought professional advice on reducing my alcohol intake. I approached a local support center for alcohol-related issues and, to my surprise, they informed me that assistance would only be available if I acknowledged myself as alcohol-dependent. I acquiesced, thinking it would facilitate my quest for guidance. After attending just two sessions, I realized that their approach didn’t resonate with me, so I independently managed to lower my consumption to about one bottle every two weeks. To my astonishment, it was not as challenging as I previously imagined. The crux of my dilemma lies in the fact that I don't genuinely view myself as being dependent on alcohol. My intent was solely to obtain informal suggestions for moderation in order to avert potential issues. However, I now face the predicament of having this label on my medical records, categorized as an active condition. Is there a way to have this designation removed? I worry that my general practitioner might think I am being dishonest about my situation. I would greatly appreciate any guidance on how to navigate this matter effectively.
Seeking Guidance Regarding My Symptoms
I’m a 23-year-old male, a smoker, and slightly on the lighter side of the weight spectrum. For the past few weeks, I've been facing consistent discomfort in my chest, which occasionally shifts from the left side to the right. The sensation isn't severe but varies in duration, typically lasting between 10 seconds and a minute. There are rare moments when the pain escalates beyond mild. Additionally, I’ve noticed that my heart rate increases significantly even with slight exertion, and smoking seems to exacerbate this. The most alarming symptom I've encountered is the feeling of my heartbeat resonating in various parts of my body, including an incident where I felt it pulsating in my left ear. This sensation was so strong and relentless that it left me feeling quite overwhelmed for several minutes. My habits aren't exactly healthy; I'm particularly hooked on energy drinks, consuming 1 to 2 cans of Monster each day for nearly two years now. I’m beginning to suspect that I might be facing some underlying cardiovascular problems, yet I’m hesitant to undergo a comprehensive check-up at this point, as the wait time for such procedures here is notoriously long and tedious.
Identifying this Insect Bite
I've come across a peculiar insect bite that appeared in addition to a few mosquito bites, yet it doesn’t resemble any of my previous experiences with mosquito bites. This occurred after a hiking trip. I'm assigned female at birth, standing at 5 feet 1 inch and weighing 116 pounds. The bite is incredibly itchy and has gradually been increasing in size. I've included some images in the comments for reference.