Are Vitamin K Shots Necessary?
Randall Neustaedter, OMD, LAc, CCH
An injection of vitamin K (1.0 mg) is routinely administered to
all newborns to prevent unexpected bleeding caused by low levels
of vitamin K-dependent blood clotting factors. Vitamin K is present
in green vegetables, vegetable oils, and dairy products, but intake
or supplementation during pregnancy does not ensure prevention of
vitamin K deficiency in newborns.
The syndrome of vitamin K
deficiency bleeding occurs in approximately 1 in 10,000 babies.
Hemorrhagic disease that occurs from week 2-12 of life is the most
dangerous form. Half of these affected babies suffer sudden bleeding
into the brain, and 20 percent of affected babies die. Studies have
shown that a single injection or oral dose of vitamin K at birth
results in adequate coagulation status and vitamin K levels for
up to three months following birth.
Injected vitamin K ran into a problem when researchers in 1990
noted an increased incidence of childhood cancer in children given
vitamin K injections at birth. Specifically, they found that injected
vitamin K doubled the incidence of leukemia in children less than
ten years of age. A subsequent study in 1992 revealed the same association
between injected vitamin K and cancer, but no such association with
oral vitamin K. These researchers recommended exclusive use of oral
vitamin K.
Since vitamin K given within 12 hours of birth can reduce the risk
of vitamin K deficiency bleeding, it seems prudent to give an oral
dose of 1-2 mg. Injections of vitamin K are painful and can cause
bruising at the injection site. There may also be an increased risk
of cancer associated with vitamin K injections.
Mothers should eat foods with high vitamin K content during pregnancy
(green vegetables and dairy products) because vitamin K is transferred
to the fetus across the placenta. Pregnant women can also take alfalfa
tablets during pregnancy, a good source of vitamin K.
It is also advisable to give 1-2 mg. of vitamin K to breastfed
infants at ages one to two weeks and at four weeks. Formulas are
already supplemented with vitamin K. Alternatively, nursing mothers
can take a daily dose of vitamin K during the first three months
following birth. If nursing mothers take a daily 5 mg. vitamin K
supplement, their babies’ vitamin K status improves through the
first 12 weeks of life.
Although oral vitamin K is not licensed for use as a drug by the
FDA, drops for oral administration are available. Typically, one
drop contains 2 mg. of vitamin K. Contact a midwife in your area,
or a birthing supply company (such as birthwithlove.com), or Scientific
Botanicals (206 527-5521) where your health care provider can order
liquid vitamin K directly.
Dr. Neustaedter has practiced homeopathic medicine for over twenty
years, specializing in child health care. An accomplished and well-recognized
author, his works include an authoritative text, Homeopathic
Pediatrics, and a popular book for parents, The
Vaccine Guide: Making an Informed Choice (1996), a revision
of his previous book, The Immunization
Decision (1990). He has contributed extensively to the journals
that comprise the homeopathic medical literature. A licensed acupuncturist
with a doctorate in Oriental Medicine, Dr. Neustaedter practices
at the Classical Medicine Center in Redwood City, California (650-299-9170).
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