Vitamin K
| Vitamin K is routinely
administered to newborns by intramuscular injection shortly
after birth. The theory behind this is that the
newborn has a naturally low level of Vitamin K. Since
Vitamin K is responsible for clotting, it has become routine
to administer a shot to boost the newborn's ability to clot.
This practice is not without controversy. If newborn's
needed a 'normal' level of vitamin K, would every newborn be
born with a 'low' level? Are there benefits to this
'low' level? What are the risks associated with
altering the normal physiology of the newborn? Below
are links to information regarding the routine
administration of Vitamin K.
AAP's 2003 position paper on Vitamin K http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;112/1/191
Women's Health Information Vitamin K for Newborns |