Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in the formation of blood clots. Vitamin K does not pass through the placenta well during pregnancy. As a result, babies are born with a vitamin K deficiency. This deficiency puts newborns and infants at increased risk for sudden bleeds that can occur up to 6 months of age, including very serious bleeds in the brain that can cause brain damage and even death.

Since 1961, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended Vitamin K injections within 6 hours of birth to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding. This single shot provides an infant the vitamin K they need until they can get adequate vitamin K through their diet and from the healthy bacteria in their gut. Alternative forms of vitamin K, such an oral vitamin K, are not well-absorbed by an infant and therefore do not provide adequate protection from vitamin K deficiency bleeding.

Here are some other great resources that you can refer to if you want to learn more:

• Why Your Newborn Needs a Vitamin K Shot (AAP)

• Protect Your Baby from Bleeds (CDC)

Adapted from AAP’s website, Healthychildren.org.