There is a rare disease called Vitamin K deficiency bleeding, which occurs in approximately 1/10,000 babies. About half of babies who suffer this bleeding problem after the first week of life will die or sustain significant brain-damage due to the disease. It occurs almost exclusively in breast-fed babies and is almost completely preventable by giving extra vitamin K after birth. The prevention is giving all babies extra vitamin K. The reason is the bleeding shows absolutely no signs ahead of the time. Therefore, general prevention is required.
Beside the infants, if you are one of the following types of people, you may need to take extra vitamin K supplements:
Those with a portion of the gastrointestinal tract surgically removed
Anyone taking long-term antibiotics that may destroy normal "friendly" bacteria in the intestinal tract
People who do not have enough bile to absorb fats
Infants who are breastfed or fed with milk-substitute formula
People on mineral oil for constipation
Overt vitamin K deficiency results in impaired blood clotting. Symptoms include easy bruising and bleeding that may be manifested as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood in the urine, blood in the stool, tarry black stools, or extremely heavy menstrual bleeding. In infants, vitamin K deficiency may result in life-threatening bleeding within the skull.
Vitamin K Deficiency in Adults: Vitamin K deficiency is uncommon in healthy adults for a number of reasons: 1) vitamin K is widespread in foods (see Vitamin K Food Sources), 2) the vitamin K cycle conserves vitamin K, and 3) bacteria that normally inhabit the large intestine synthesize menaquinones (vitamin K2), though it is unclear whether a significant amount is absorbed and utilized. Adults at risk of vitamin K deficiency include those taking vitamin K antagonist anticoagulant drugs and individuals with significant liver damage or disease.
Vitamin K in Infants: Newborn babies that are exclusively breast-fed are at increased risk of vitamin K deficiency for the following reasons: 1) human milk is relatively low in vitamin K compared to formula, 2) the newborn's intestines are not yet colonized with bacteria that synthesize menaquinones, and 3) the vitamin K cycle may not be fully functional in newborns, especially premature infants. Infants whose mothers are on anticonvulsant medication to prevent seizures are also at risk of vitamin K deficiency.
Vitamin K deficiency in newborns may result in a bleeding disorder called hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN). Because HDN is life threatening and easily prevented, the American Academy of Pediatrics and a number of similar international organizations recommend that an injection of phylloquinone (vitamin K1) be administered to all newborns.
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin. It promotes production of active prothrombin, proconvertin and other factors necessary for normal blood clotting.
