Which group of individuals is at a higher risk of vitamin K deficiency?

Individuals with gastrointestinal disorders are indeed at a higher risk of vitamin K deficiency due to the absorption issues that often accompany such conditions. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning that its absorption is reliant on the proper functioning of the digestive system, particularly the balance of dietary fats. Conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and other malabsorption syndromes can significantly impair the body's ability to absorb fat-soluble nutrients, leading to a deficiency.

In contrast, those consuming a high-protein diet or individuals who regularly exercise are generally not at increased risk for vitamin K deficiency, provided their overall diet includes sufficient amounts of green leafy vegetables and healthy fats, which are good sources of this vitamin. Infants consuming breast milk might be at a risk for vitamin K deficiency as breast milk typically contains low levels of vitamin K; however, this is often addressed by administering a vitamin K shot at birth to prevent complications like hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. Therefore, while infants have some specific considerations regarding vitamin K, the significantly impaired absorption associated with gastrointestinal disorders places that group at the highest risk for deficiency.