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What's The Deal with Vitamin K?

Writer: Dr. Watson
Dr. Watson
Jun 15
5 min read

Updated: Aug 23


There have been a lot of news headlines recently about some parents declining the vitamin K dose that is given to newborns after birth. So, what's the big deal? And why are doctors worried about this? In today's blog of The Pediatric Checkup, we'll tackle the who's, what's, and why's of vitamin K, do some myth busting and hopefully address why this has become a controversial topic. So, let's dive in!


  • What even is vitamin K?

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin and is a substance our body needs in order to form blood clots. We typically get this from foods that we eat or by taking a vitamin supplement and it is also produced by bacteria in our intestines that help us breakdown foods. If someone's body is low in vitamin K, they are at higher risk of Vitamin K Dependent Bleeding (VKDB) because they can't form clots to stop bleeding.


  • Why are we talking about this with newborn babies?

When babies are born, they can be low in Vitamin K and are at risk of VKDB. Vitamin K does not pass through the placenta well, newborns have minimal stores of vitamin K in their livers, and their gut is sterile at birth, which means they do not have the bacteria that helps produce vitamin K. There are even some medications that a mother may need to take for her own health issues that can interfere with a newborn's vitamin K level. Babies of any race, sex, or ethnic background can be affected. Since 1961, it has been standard practice in pediatric medicine that all newborns should get one dose of vitamin K after they are born to help prevent VKDB and avoid serious health issues.



  • When does VKDB happen to babies?

Honestly, it can happen anytime in the first six months of a baby's life. But in pediatric medicine we break it down into three categories: early (within the first 24 hours), classical (days 2-7) and late (days 8-6 months). Unfortunately, there is often little or no warning before VKDB happens to babies. Babies can have bleeding into the brain or other organs, and this can be catastrophic and sometimes fatal.


Okay, I know that was some scary stuff. But here's the good news: That ONE dose of vitamin K that newborn babies are recommended to get after birth is INCREDABDLY effective at reducing the risk of a baby bleeding. It is stored in a baby's liver and helps to protect them through that at risk time.


At this point, you might be wondering, "If administering vitamin K to newborns prevents bleeding, why is it controversial?" The controversy largely stems from a significant amount of misinformation about this (and other medical topics) circulating online and on social media. Let's tackle the most common misconceptions about vitamin K that I hear in clinic. I believe the best approach to address this is with:


Myth Busters


Myth #1- "The vitamin K dose is a vaccine."

  • No, vitamin K is given by an injection, but it is not a vaccine.

  • Generally, vaccines work by presenting the body with an antigen (a weakened piece of a pathogen) that stimulates the body to produce antibodies and immune cells, so that if it encounters the pathogen again, it can defend itself from that pathogen.

  • The vitamin K injection contains phytonadione, which is a plant-based form of Vitamin K and a couple of inactive ingredients to keep it stable and sterile.


Myth #2- "The vitamin K is dangerous to give."

  • There have been decades of monitoring that ensure the Vitamin K injection is safe. It does not cause cancer. The low dose given to newborns does not increase the risk of jaundice. Allergic reactions are exceedingly rare when it is given by injection.


Myth #3- "Breastmilk contains everything a baby needs, so they don't need the extra dose of vitamin K."

  • Actually, breastmilk contains only a little bit of Vitamin K and it's not enough to stop VKDB from happening, and since babies don't start consuming solid foods until between 4 and 6 months of age, the bacteria in their intestines don't help produce vitamin K during this vulnerable period.

  • Exclusively breastfed infants are at higher risk of having VKDB.

Myth #4- "Babies can take oral vitamin K and it will protect them just as well."

  • Oral vitamin K has been shown to be inconsistently absorbed by a newborn's digestive track, and it involves a multiweek dosing schedule. These absorption issues and the possibility missed doses leave babies at risk for VKDB.

  • Some European countries tried using oral vitamin K dosing regimens in the past and saw an increase in VKDB.


The conversation surrounding vitamin K for newborns is crucial, especially in light of the potential risks associated with VKDB. While some parents may have reservations about the vitamin K injection, understanding the facts and dispelling the myths is essential for making informed decisions. The single dose of vitamin K administered at birth is a safe and effective measure that significantly reduces the risk of serious health complications. As we navigate through the sea of information available today, it’s vital to rely on credible sources and consult qualified healthcare professionals to ensure the well-being of our little ones. By prioritizing education and awareness, we can help safeguard the health of newborns and support parents.


Works Cited — "Vitamin K for Newborns" Article

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) / HealthyChildren.org

CDC

Children's Hospitals

Peer-reviewed / additional references

  • Zipursky, A. "Prevention of vitamin K deficiency bleeding in newborns." British Journal of Haematology, 1999;104:430–7.

  • Sutor, A.H., von Kries, R., Cornelissen, E.A.M., McNinch, A.W., Andrew, M. "Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) in infancy." Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 1999;81:456–61.

  • McNinch, A.W., Tripp, J.H. "Haemorrhagic disease of the newborn in the British Isles: two year prospective study." BMJ, 1991;303:1105–9.


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