What are common symptoms associated with a deficiency of vitamin K?

A deficiency in vitamin K leads to common symptoms related to impaired blood clotting, which is crucial for preventing excessive bleeding. Vitamin K plays a vital role in synthesizing certain proteins necessary for blood coagulation. When there is an insufficient amount of vitamin K in the body, the blood does not clot properly, which can result in easy bruising and prolonged bleeding from cuts or injuries. This is particularly noticeable in individuals who suffer from vitamin K deficiency, making the symptoms of excessive bleeding and bruising a clear indicator of this particular nutrient's deficiency.

The other options refer to issues associated with different vitamin and mineral deficiencies rather than vitamin K. Fatigue and muscle weakness, for instance, may be linked to deficiencies in vitamins such as B12 or D. Dry skin and hair loss typically indicate a lack of essential fatty acids or possibly B vitamins, while frequent infections and colds are often related to deficiencies in vitamin C or zinc. Therefore, recognizing excessive bleeding and bruising as the primary symptoms associated with a vitamin K deficiency emphasizes the nutrient's critical role in maintaining proper blood function.