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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