What is prothrombin?

Prothrombin is a protein present in blood plasma that is an essential component of the blood-clotting mechanism. During an injury or an incident where there is bleeding involved, prothrombin is transformed into a thrombin. Thrombin then acts to transform fibrinogen into fibrin which can then form a blood clot with the help of platelets found in the blood. This process is called coagulation, and it’s intended to stop the bleeding. 

Whenever there is a deficiency of prothrombin, a person may suffer from prolonged bleeding. This condition is also known as hypoprothrombinemia. This condition is also associated with vitamin K deficiency which is essential for synthesising prothrombin in the liver.

Symptoms of bleeding disorders:

• easy bruising
• prolonged bleeding
• heavy menstrual periods
• blood in the urine
• swollen or painful joints
• regular nosebleeds

Foods that promote healthy blood clotting are foods high in vitamin K. This includes foods like:

• kale
• spinach
• parsley
• brussels sprouts
• broccoli
• cabbage
• fish
• eggs