Vitamin K1 Blood Test

This Vitamin K1 Test measures Vitamin K1, the natural form of vitamin K, levels in the blood.

Description

Vitamin K is essential in the formation of coagulation factors, which are substances that help the blood form clots to prevent excessive bleeding. It is also believed to play a role in preventing bone loss.

There are different forms of vitamin K; K1 is the natural form present in foods such as green vegetables, dairy products, breakfast cereals, vegetable oils and soybeans. A diet with appropriate amounts of vitamin K is important because the body is not able to produce an adequate amount on its own. The average American diet supplies a sufficient level, but conditions such as obstructive liver disease, obstructive icterus and malabsorption (often a result of Celiac disease, pancreatitis, diarrhea and antibiotic abuse) can lead to a deficiency.

Vitamin K deficiency can result in excessive bleeding and bruising. Often the first test recommended for patients with such symptoms is a combination PT & PTT Blood Test, which measures how long it takes for the blood to form a clot. If a prolonged result is the outcome and a vitamin K deficiency is suspected, treatment typically involves injections or supplements of the vitamin. If this resolves the unexpected bleeding and the next test is normal, vitamin K deficiency is assumed to have been the cause.

Deficient vitamin K levels can lead to:

• Osteoporosis/Weak bones
• Bleeding/Thin blood that doesn't clot well
• Easily bruising and mucosal bleeding

Vitamin K deficiency can be more prevalent in people who:

• Have a vitamin D deficiency
• Have a fat malabsorption issue
• Have celiac disease, Crohn's disease or cystic fibrosis
• Use Coumadin anticoagulants, like Warfarin
• Have alcoholism