Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Vitamin K crucial for blood clotting
Vitamin K is a vital nutrient that helps blood clot and keeps bones strong.
Babies are born with very little Vitamin K, making them vulnerable to a serious condition called VKDB.
This can cause bleeding in the brain or other parts of the body, leading to permanent damage or even death.
To prevent this, doctors recommend giving babies a single injection of Vitamin K soon after birth.
Vitamin K can be found in green leafy vegetables, liver, cheese, and egg yolk, and is also produced by good bacteria in our gut.
Adults usually get enough Vitamin K from their diet, but some people may not absorb it well due to certain health conditions or medications.
Deficiency can cause easy bruising, nosebleeds, and prolonged bleeding.
It's important to ensure adequate Vitamin K intake to maintain good health.
Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health.
Newborns are vulnerable to Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB) until six months old.
VKDB can cause severe bleeding, brain damage, seizures, coma, or death.
Government recommends a single intramuscular injection of 1mg Vitamin K within six hours of birth.
Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables, liver, cheese, egg yolk, and produced by gut bacteria.
- Who
- Newborns, individuals with chronic liver disease, intestinal disorders, and those on certain medications
- What
- Vitamin K deficiency and its prevention
- When
- Newborns are particularly vulnerable until the age of six months
- Where
- Globally, but specifically highlighted in the context of healthcare recommendations
- Why
- To prevent Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB) and its severe complications
Intramuscular Injection Advocates
Oral Vitamin K Supporters
Effectiveness
Intramuscular Injection Advocates
Intramuscular injection is more reliable as it ensures immediate and complete absorption of Vitamin K.
Oral Vitamin K Supporters
Oral Vitamin K is a less invasive method and can be effective if administered correctly and consistently.
Convenience
Intramuscular Injection Advocates
Intramuscular injection requires only a single dose, making it more convenient for newborns.
Oral Vitamin K Supporters
Oral Vitamin K allows for more flexible dosing and can be administered at home, which may be more convenient for some parents.
- Function
- Essential for blood clotting and bone health
- Sources
- Green leafy vegetables, liver, cheese, egg yolk, and gut bacteria
- Recommended Daily Intake
- 90 micrograms for women, 120 micrograms for men
- Deficiency Symptoms
- Easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding
- At-Risk Groups
- Newborns, individuals with chronic liver disease, intestinal disorders, and those on certain medications
- Prevention in Newborns
- Single intramuscular injection of 1mg within the first six hours after birth