A Vitamin K shot at birth is widely recommended as being important for newborns to help prevent a rare but serious bleeding disorder known as vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) or hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN). Newborns are at an increased risk of VKDB because they are born with low levels of vitamin K, and their intestines are not yet colonized with the bacteria that produce this vitamin.
The vitamin K shot, administered shortly after birth, provides the newborn with a dose of vitamin K to ensure that their blood clotting system functions properly. This is a standard practice in many countries, and the administration of the Vitamin K shot has been shown to be highly effective in preventing VKDB. Many professional organizations support and endorse this.
The use of this vitamin K shot is controversial in anti-vaccination and alternative health communities as its a “vaccine” (it’s not) or “not natural” and some refuse it for their baby based on misguided beliefs. The evidence is very clear on its safety and effectiveness.
Clinical features of vitamin K deficiency bleeding in a newborn:
Widespread bruising and ecchymosis; feeding intolerance; irritabilities; epistaxis; jaundice; pallor; white spots in eyes; vomiting; blood in stools
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Vitamin K
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