Vitamin K is a nutrient that the body needs to produce proteins to clot blood. People get vitamin K from foods such as leafy green vegetables, dairy products and meat. The intestines also make a form of vitamin K. Dietary fat helps the body absorb the vitamin. The recommended amount of vitamin K for an infant under the age of 6 months is 2 mcg per day.
Why Newborns Need Vitamin K
Although a small amount of vitamin K can pass through the placenta, babies are born with a vitamin K deficiency. Newborns lack the ability to make vitamin K in the intestines because a newborn has not acquired the bacteria required to make vitamin. Because they do not have enough vitamin K in their diet immediately following birth to prevent bleeding, they require an injection of vitamin K. This supplemental vitamin K will help prevent bleeding during the first few days of life. Breastfed babies commonly have a vitamin K deficiency because breast milk contains a low amount of vitamin K, according to the Merck Manuals Medical.
Newborn Hemorrhagic Disease
Newborns with vitamin K deficiency may experience bleeding problems, which may include bleeding into the brain. Hemorrhagic disease normally occurs between one and seven days following birth, but some babies may experience late hemorrhagic disease, which is when the bleeding occurs three to eight weeks following birth. Risk factors for late bleeding include malabsorption of fat or vitamin K, a liver disorder and breastfeeding. Certain medications the mother may take, such as phenytoin for seizures, and anticoagulant medications, may also increase the risk of a newborn developing hemorrhagic disease.
Administration
In order to prevent bleeding, newborns need a 0.5 to 1 mg intramuscular injection of vitamin K, according to the Merck Manuals of Medical Information. Administering the injection within the first six hours after birth is best for preventing bleeding in the brain related to the trauma associated with birth and newborn hemorrhagic disease. Some babies may need a repeat dosage after six to eight hours. Premature babies cannot handle larger doses of vitamin K injections.
Side Effects
Most babies tolerate vitamin K injections without a problem, but side effects may occur when taking supplemental vitamin K. Potential adverse reactions include redness or pain at the injection site, flushing of the face and an unusual taste. Additional side effects include a decreased appetite, difficulty breathing, paleness and an enlarged liver.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Vitamin K; November 2010
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Vitamin K; Larry E. Johnson, MD, PhD; August 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn; Kimberly G. Lee, MD, MSc, IBCLC; January 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin K; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; May 2004
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