What potential effect does a deficiency in vitamin K have?

A deficiency in vitamin K primarily leads to increased bleeding and poor bone health due to its essential role in the synthesis of certain proteins required for blood coagulation and bone metabolism. Vitamin K is crucial for the activation of clotting factors, such as prothrombin, which are necessary for the blood coagulation process. Without adequate levels of vitamin K, the body cannot effectively form blood clots, resulting in a tendency to bleed more easily or experience larger bruises.

Additionally, vitamin K plays a vital role in bone health by participating in the regulation of calcium in bones and the bloodstream. Insufficient vitamin K can lead to reduced bone mineralization, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

The other choices relate to issues that typically derive from deficiencies in other vitamins and minerals rather than vitamin K. For example, hair loss is more commonly associated with deficiencies in biotin or other B vitamins, while muscle weakness and cramps may arise from low levels of electrolytes or magnesium. Dry skin and impaired vision are not linked to vitamin K deficiency but are often connected to deficiencies in vitamins A and E or essential fatty acids.