[ozmidwifery] Maternal Vitamin K?
Midwives et al... Is there any way maternal Vitamin K can be accumulated prior to birth and therefore passed onto her baby, in order to prevent thenewborn requiring neonatal Vitamin K??? Thanks in anticipation... Mary Doyle Early Parenting Manager Alpine Health
Re: [ozmidwifery] Maternal Vitamin K?
Most sources suggest upping green leafy vegetables in the diet as they are sources of Vit K. But really unless there is a violent birth, why would a baby "need" it anyway? There is more than sufficient in breastmilk or the human race wouldn't have survived so long. : ) J - Original Message - From: Mary Doyle To: ACE Graphics Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2006 10:52 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Maternal Vitamin K? Midwives et al... Is there any way maternal Vitamin K can be accumulated prior to birth and therefore passed onto her baby, in order to prevent thenewborn requiring neonatal Vitamin K??? Thanks in anticipation... Mary Doyle Early Parenting Manager Alpine Health
Re: [ozmidwifery] Maternal Vitamin K?
Mary just off the top of my head a baby's vitamin K levels are reduced at birth as a consequence of poor placental transportation of vitamin K. As nature hasn't got much wrong in the birth process you would assume this is the way it is meant to be and increasing maternal vitamin k would unpredictably increase the baby's vitamin K levels anyway. The question is do we really want to do it and mothers need to know that they can decline the vitamin K offered. Andrea QOn 23/03/2006, at 10:52 PM, Mary Doyle wrote:Midwives et al... Is there any way maternal Vitamin K can be accumulated prior to birth and therefore passed on to her baby, in order to prevent the newborn requiring neonatal Vitamin K??? Thanks in anticipation... Mary DoyleEarly Parenting ManagerAlpine Health
RE: [ozmidwifery] Maternal Vitamin K?
To add to Janets Vit k is found in unrefined oil, alfalfa, soybeans, all green leafy vegies, egg yolk, pine nuts, blackstrap molasses, yoghurt. Small amounts of fat are required for the absorption of Vitamin K from food. Cheers Jo From: owner-ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au [mailto:owner-ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au] On Behalf Of Janet Fraser Sent: Thursday, 23 March 2006 11:06 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Maternal Vitamin K? Most sources suggest upping green leafy vegetables in the diet as they are sources of Vit K. But really unless there is a violent birth, why would a baby need it anyway? There is more than sufficient in breastmilk or the human race wouldn't have survived so long. : ) J - Original Message - From: Mary Doyle To: ACE Graphics Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2006 10:52 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Maternal Vitamin K? Midwives et al... Is there any way maternal Vitamin K can be accumulated prior to birth and therefore passed onto her baby, in order to prevent thenewborn requiring neonatal Vitamin K??? Thanks in anticipation... Mary Doyle Early Parenting Manager Alpine Health
RE: [ozmidwifery] Maternal Vitamin K?
Hello Mary, A very good article on vit K you can read on the website of Sarah Wickam in England www.withwoman.co.uk look in midwifery reources greetings Lieve Lieve Huybrechts vroedvrouw 0477740853 -Oorspronkelijk bericht- Van: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Namens Mary Doyle Verzonden: donderdag 23 maart 2006 12:52 Aan: ACE Graphics Onderwerp: [ozmidwifery] Maternal Vitamin K? Midwives et al... Is there any way maternal Vitamin K can be accumulated prior to birth and therefore passed onto her baby, in order to prevent thenewborn requiring neonatal Vitamin K??? Thanks in anticipation... Mary Doyle Early Parenting Manager Alpine Health
Re: [ozmidwifery] Maternal Vitamin K?
Hi Mary, Vitamin K does not appear to cross the placenta in major quantities - some thoughts that low vitamin K levels in baby's blood is to do with the need for cells to replicate at an enormous rate and that high levels of K can inhibit that... (don't have the reference off the top of my head and there is more research looking for the reason...). Vitamin K maternal supplements post birth have been found to increase baby's serum K levels - Greer (not Germaine!) has done reserch on this and was on the NHMRC party who wrote the last guidelines for Vit K. Apparently colostrum is higher in K than breastmilk due to its fat content which would also mean that hindmilk is higher in K than foremilk - more and more reasons to allow nature to be!! Colostrum also provides the bacteria which initialises production of vit K in the newborn gut. A lot of the vitamin K debate seems to be around the definition of vitamin K deficiency bleeding - having liver function problems or gut problems appears to be the major reason why baby's own supply of K would suffer - and liver problems can be caused by infections with viruses, bacteria, maternal intake of various drugs/poisons, and gut problems being coeliac disease, ulcerative colitis etc. There is no doubt that in 3rd world countries fewer babies die after supplementation of K. The question here would obviously still revolve around maternal and fetal/newborn health/nutrition etc. K is my 'pet' subject through my BMid course. I usually pass on information to parents to assist in their decision making by discussing the fact that not all developed countries routinely give IM Vit K to newborns ; the Netherlands give 1mg oral K at birth then daily supplements of K drops up to 3 months I think, Denmark gives 1mg at birth then weekly and both have levels of VKDB equivalent to those gained by the more invasive IM route. Same sort of riks/benefits as any vaccination concept - oral vs IM route with IM bypassing normal modes of K intake which is either dietary or produced in the gut, IM including preservatives etc within the product. Hope all this helps, Sue Midwives et al... Is there any way maternal Vitamin K can be accumulated prior to birth and therefore passed onto her baby, in order to prevent thenewborn requiring neonatal Vitamin K??? Thanks in anticipation... Mary Doyle Early Parenting Manager Alpine Health __ NOD32 1.1454 (20060321) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.nod32.com
Re: [ozmidwifery] Maternal Vitamin K?
On 24/03/2006, at 1:11 PM, Sue Cookson wrote: Same sort of riks/benefits as any vaccination concept - oral vs IM route with IM bypassing normal modes of K intake which is either dietary or produced in the gut, IM including preservatives etc within the product. Hi Sue Here in WA the same preparation is used for oral and IM vitamin K (Konakion). So the preservatives you write about in the IM are also present in the oral. Jo -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Maternal Vitamin K?
except giving a vitamin K injection is not a vacination. It produces no response in the immune system but causes a physiological response that is arguably not needed unless the baby and mother are interupted at birth either necessarily or unnecessarily Andrea Q On 24/03/2006, at 4:33 PM, Jo Watson wrote: On 24/03/2006, at 1:11 PM, Sue Cookson wrote: Same sort of riks/benefits as any vaccination concept - oral vs IM route with IM bypassing normal modes of K intake which is either dietary or produced in the gut, IM including preservatives etc within the product. Hi Sue Here in WA the same preparation is used for oral and IM vitamin K (Konakion). So the preservatives you write about in the IM are also present in the oral. Jo -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Maternal Vitamin K?
Hi Jo, I wasn't very clear with that bit - all states use the same product in Australia and so the preservatives etc are present irrespective of the route given. The IM route however bypasses the mucosal route which is one of the body's first line of defence against foreign agents. The IM route with vit K has been linked with some cancers - some at the site of the injection. We are actually loading the muscle site with 1-2 times a 'normal' level of vit K and research to date has failed to understand where and how that depot of vit K is used. The cancer link has been difficult to replicate but it is usually acknowleded that the risk of cancer after IM Vit K although small, remains a possibility. The new Konakion MM was developed to make it more easily assimilated through the oral route by changing some of its components to increase the oil factor. It still has preservatives etc and so is still of question to parents, but perhaps the oral route more closely replicates normal vit K intake. Hope this makes sense, Sue On 24/03/2006, at 1:11 PM, Sue Cookson wrote: Same sort of riks/benefits as any vaccination concept - oral vs IM route with IM bypassing normal modes of K intake which is either dietary or produced in the gut, IM including preservatives etc within the product. Hi Sue Here in WA the same preparation is used for oral and IM vitamin K (Konakion). So the preservatives you write about in the IM are also present in the oral. Jo -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. __ NOD32 1.1454 (20060321) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.nod32.com -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
[ozmidwifery] Vitamin K
Hi everyone, I was hoping you wouldn't mind answering a question I have. I have been doing a bit of study over the past 18 months and two of my subjects are AnatPhys and Pathology. Recently, in class vitamin K injections became the topic of conversation and when asked whether midwives would administer the vitamin K shot or not my lecturer, who is also an anesthetist, advised of course they would, along with the heel prick test. Can you tell me, is this actually true. I'd love to hear your feedback. Regards Kim Your friendly list admin :-) --- Kim Hunter List Administration Birth International ACE Graphics and Associates in Childbirth Education http://www.birthinternational.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K
Hi Kim Yes we do give the vitamin K injection within a few hours of birth. The heel prick test is usually done on the third day after birth Alan -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kim Hunter Sent: Thursday, 3 June 2004 16:03 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K Hi everyone, I was hoping you wouldn't mind answering a question I have. I have been doing a bit of study over the past 18 months and two of my subjects are AnatPhys and Pathology. Recently, in class vitamin K injections became the topic of conversation and when asked whether midwives would administer the vitamin K shot or not my lecturer, who is also an anesthetist, advised of course they would, along with the heel prick test. Can you tell me, is this actually true. I'd love to hear your feedback. Regards Kim Your friendly list admin :-) --- Kim Hunter List Administration Birth International ACE Graphics and Associates in Childbirth Education http://www.birthinternational.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K
Kim, You should get hold of the MIDIRS March 2003 edition as they had an excellent article on Vitamin K All the best, Leanne. From: Alan Irene [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K Date: Thu, 3 Jun 2004 16:24:31 +1000 Hi Kim Yes we do give the vitamin K injection within a few hours of birth. The heel prick test is usually done on the third day after birth Alan -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kim Hunter Sent: Thursday, 3 June 2004 16:03 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K Hi everyone, I was hoping you wouldn't mind answering a question I have. I have been doing a bit of study over the past 18 months and two of my subjects are AnatPhys and Pathology. Recently, in class vitamin K injections became the topic of conversation and when asked whether midwives would administer the vitamin K shot or not my lecturer, who is also an anesthetist, advised of course they would, along with the heel prick test. Can you tell me, is this actually true. I'd love to hear your feedback. Regards Kim Your friendly list admin :-) --- Kim Hunter List Administration Birth International ACE Graphics and Associates in Childbirth Education http://www.birthinternational.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. Leanne Wynne Midwife in charge of Women's Business Mildura Aboriginal Health Service Mob 0418 371862 _ What's your house worth? Click here to find out: http://www.ninemsn.realestate.com.au -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K
yes, midwives do administer Vit K via intramuscular injection when that is the plan, or more often, the hospital protocol. The heel prick test is done on day 5 so for where I work it is done by the visiting midwifery service Kirsten - Original Message - From: Kim Hunter [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, June 03, 2004 2:03 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K Hi everyone, I was hoping you wouldn't mind answering a question I have. I have been doing a bit of study over the past 18 months and two of my subjects are AnatPhys and Pathology. Recently, in class vitamin K injections became the topic of conversation and when asked whether midwives would administer the vitamin K shot or not my lecturer, who is also an anesthetist, advised of course they would, along with the heel prick test. Can you tell me, is this actually true. I'd love to hear your feedback. Regards Kim Your friendly list admin :-) --- Kim Hunter List Administration Birth International ACE Graphics and Associates in Childbirth Education http://www.birthinternational.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K
Hi Kim, A British friend of mine has just arrived back from time in the UK and says that the issue of Vit K and PKU is a non-issue in the area she works in (around Brighton) ie vitK is not offered after birth and the heelprick test is not talked about either. I've just done a lot of research on vit K and did come across a paper that suggested that the British College of Midwives were debating whether or not to continue giving vitamin K . I was not researching the heelprick test. I have discovered however that there is a vast range of regimes relating to vitamin K across the world and that the evidence supporting any one regime is pretty inconclusive - in that the new Konakion MM seems less effective than the old; the IM seems the most effective of all but has question marks re associations with childhood leukemias; very little research has been done relating to natural supplementation and vitamin K, the Dutch model is better than the oral regime offered here and consists of 1mg dose at birth followed by daily 25ug drops (of an oral K freely and cheaply available) given by the parents, the Danish do 2mg at birth followed by 1mg weekly, and in the USA there are natural drops made of alfalfa, nettle and green tea in a corn oil base which I imagine would be given to the mother as every drop is 2mg. (Research shows 5 mg per day to the mother effectively raises the newborn vit K plasma level - synthetic vitamin K that is, which is not as easily assimilated as natural vitamin K).This latter option is of course not sanctioned by the FDA. Lots of research about synthetically derived vitamin K and next to none about naturally derived sources. Is nature really that flawed, and what exactly do these very elevated levels we inject or give orally to our babies do to them? Another of those questions I believe akin to the vaccination debate. I guess the most unanswered question was how do you determine if a baby has died of vit K deficiency related to its diet or whether it has died of liver or malabsorption problems which effectively reduce the synthesisation of vitamin K to nothing. As Sara Wickham says in her book, 'some of thes cases of HDN (Haemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn) could not have been prevented by vitamin K in any form'. Most of the deaths in regard to vitamin K are in the late onset bracket and most of these babies have underlying liver or cholestatic disorders which are not obvious(ie no prolonged jaundice or bruising or obvious bleeding like all the texts say should occur). Interestingly too, most of the deaths occur in spring/summer (reasearch from Japan, Germany and England) and 2:1 males too, so is there an environmental and or genetic picture here as well?? Lots to think about eh?? Sue Hi everyone, I was hoping you wouldn't mind answering a question I have. I have been doing a bit of study over the past 18 months and two of my subjects are AnatPhys and Pathology. Recently, in class vitamin K injections became the topic of conversation and when asked whether midwives would administer the vitamin K shot or not my lecturer, who is also an anesthetist, advised of course they would, along with the heel prick test. Can you tell me, is this actually true. I'd love to hear your feedback. Regards Kim Your friendly list admin :-) --- Kim Hunter List Administration Birth International ACE Graphics and Associates in Childbirth Education http://www.birthinternational.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K
Sue: This is the most thorough examination of Vitamin K that I have read in a forum like this. Well done. marilyn - Original Message - From: Sue Cookson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, June 03, 2004 3:14 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K Hi Kim, A British friend of mine has just arrived back from time in the UK and says that the issue of Vit K and PKU is a non-issue in the area she works in (around Brighton) ie vitK is not offered after birth and the heelprick test is not talked about either. I've just done a lot of research on vit K and did come across a paper that suggested that the British College of Midwives were debating whether or not to continue giving vitamin K . I was not researching the heelprick test. I have discovered however that there is a vast range of regimes relating to vitamin K across the world and that the evidence supporting any one regime is pretty inconclusive - in that the new Konakion MM seems less effective than the old; the IM seems the most effective of all but has question marks re associations with childhood leukemias; very little research has been done relating to natural supplementation and vitamin K, the Dutch model is better than the oral regime offered here and consists of 1mg dose at birth followed by daily 25ug drops (of an oral K freely and cheaply available) given by the parents, the Danish do 2mg at birth followed by 1mg weekly, and in the USA there are natural drops made of alfalfa, nettle and green tea in a corn oil base which I imagine would be given to the mother as every drop is 2mg. (Research shows 5 mg per day to the mother effectively raises the newborn vit K plasma level - synthetic vitamin K that is, which is not as easily assimilated as natural vitamin K).This latter option is of course not sanctioned by the FDA. Lots of research about synthetically derived vitamin K and next to none about naturally derived sources. Is nature really that flawed, and what exactly do these very elevated levels we inject or give orally to our babies do to them? Another of those questions I believe akin to the vaccination debate. I guess the most unanswered question was how do you determine if a baby has died of vit K deficiency related to its diet or whether it has died of liver or malabsorption problems which effectively reduce the synthesisation of vitamin K to nothing. As Sara Wickham says in her book, 'some of thes cases of HDN (Haemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn) could not have been prevented by vitamin K in any form'. Most of the deaths in regard to vitamin K are in the late onset bracket and most of these babies have underlying liver or cholestatic disorders which are not obvious(ie no prolonged jaundice or bruising or obvious bleeding like all the texts say should occur). Interestingly too, most of the deaths occur in spring/summer (reasearch from Japan, Germany and England) and 2:1 males too, so is there an environmental and or genetic picture here as well?? Lots to think about eh?? Sue Hi everyone, I was hoping you wouldn't mind answering a question I have. I have been doing a bit of study over the past 18 months and two of my subjects are AnatPhys and Pathology. Recently, in class vitamin K injections became the topic of conversation and when asked whether midwives would administer the vitamin K shot or not my lecturer, who is also an anesthetist, advised of course they would, along with the heel prick test. Can you tell me, is this actually true. I'd love to hear your feedback. Regards Kim Your friendly list admin :-) --- Kim Hunter List Administration Birth International ACE Graphics and Associates in Childbirth Education http://www.birthinternational.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
[ozmidwifery] Re: Vitamin K
Thankyou for such a brilliant post Sue - very thorough and informative. Will be keeping this in my special file of important midwifery stuff :) Hugs, Larissa 2nd yr B Mid FUSA -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K
Hi Kim Healthy women having home births rarely opt for these injections to be given to their newborn. Once the parents have read all the available literature they can't see the sense in injecting their baby if it is not at risk of a bleeding disorder or contacting Hep B. I fear most women giving birth in hospital only hear the manufacturer's reasons for using their product accompanied by a staff attitude that makes parents feel neglectful if they don't agree to having the injections administered. Information about the benefits of mother's diet rich in Vit K and the importance of family hygeine in the home surroundings are rarely discussed when discussing haemorrhagic disease or Hepatitis B. Providing one-sided information is just another way of making the majority of women and their families dependent on medical science to ensure optimal health for all. I wouldn't want my baby having IMI injections while it is trying to make the transition to extrauterine life (unless of course I was in a bed next to a Hep B carrier or being cared for by staff with the same status. Jan Robinson On Thursday, June 3, 2004, at 05:04 PM, Lois Wattis wrote: Dear Kim, yes, midwives do administer the Vit K injection, and the Hep B injection, and whatever else is deemed necessary for the poor jabbed baby. Be aware also that Vit K is able to be administered orally (three doses spaced over first month of life) giving much the same prophylactic treatment as intramuscular injections. Have a look at Sara Wickham's articles and AIMS publications about Vitamin K for an alternative perspective - visit http://www.withwoman.co.uk/Best wishes, Lois - Original Message - From: Alan Irene [EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Thursday, June 03, 2004 2:24 PM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K Hi Kim Yes we do give the vitamin K injection within a few hours of birth. The heel prick test is usually done on the third day after birth Alan -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kim Hunter Sent: Thursday, 3 June 2004 16:03 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K Hi everyone, I was hoping you wouldn't mind answering a question I have. I have been doing a bit of study over the past 18 months and two of my subjects are AnatPhys and Pathology. Recently, in class vitamin K injections became the topic of conversation and when asked whether midwives would administer the vitamin K shot or not my lecturer, who is also an anesthetist, advised of course they would, along with the heel prick test. Can you tell me, is this actually true. I'd love to hear your feedback. Regards Kim Your friendly list admin :-) --- Kim Hunter List Administration Birth International ACE Graphics and Associates in Childbirth Education http://www.birthinternational.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe. Jan Robinson 8 Robin Crescent South Hurstville NSW 2221 Australia Phone/Fax: 02 9546 4350 www: midwiferyeducation.com.au National Coordinator Australian Society of Independently Practising Midwives (ASIM)
Re: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K
Hi Sue, Thank you for such a detailed reply. You've given me a new insight into this issue. Thank you to others who have replied also. Regards Kim At 20:14 3/06/2004, you wrote: Hi Kim, A British friend of mine has just arrived back from time in the UK and says that the issue of Vit K and PKU is a non-issue in the area she works in (around Brighton) ie vitK is not offered after birth and the heelprick test is not talked about either. I've just done a lot of research on vit K and did come across a paper that suggested that the British College of Midwives were debating whether or not to continue giving vitamin K . I was not researching the heelprick test. I have discovered however that there is a vast range of regimes relating to vitamin K across the world and that the evidence supporting any one regime is pretty inconclusive - in that the new Konakion MM seems less effective than the old; the IM seems the most effective of all but has question marks re associations with childhood leukemias; very little research has been done relating to natural supplementation and vitamin K, the Dutch model is better than the oral regime offered here and consists of 1mg dose at birth followed by daily 25ug drops (of an oral K freely and cheaply available) given by the parents, the Danish do 2mg at birth followed by 1mg weekly, and in the USA there are natural drops made of alfalfa, nettle and green tea in a corn oil base which I imagine would be given to the mother as every drop is 2mg. (Research shows 5 mg per day to the mother effectively raises the newborn vit K plasma level - synthetic vitamin K that is, which is not as easily assimilated as natural vitamin K).This latter option is of course not sanctioned by the FDA. Lots of research about synthetically derived vitamin K and next to none about naturally derived sources. Is nature really that flawed, and what exactly do these very elevated levels we inject or give orally to our babies do to them? Another of those questions I believe akin to the vaccination debate. I guess the most unanswered question was how do you determine if a baby has died of vit K deficiency related to its diet or whether it has died of liver or malabsorption problems which effectively reduce the synthesisation of vitamin K to nothing. As Sara Wickham says in her book, 'some of thes cases of HDN (Haemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn) could not have been prevented by vitamin K in any form'. Most of the deaths in regard to vitamin K are in the late onset bracket and most of these babies have underlying liver or cholestatic disorders which are not obvious(ie no prolonged jaundice or bruising or obvious bleeding like all the texts say should occur). Interestingly too, most of the deaths occur in spring/summer (reasearch from Japan, Germany and England) and 2:1 males too, so is there an environmental and or genetic picture here as well?? Lots to think about eh?? Sue Hi everyone, I was hoping you wouldn't mind answering a question I have. I have been doing a bit of study over the past 18 months and two of my subjects are AnatPhys and Pathology. Recently, in class vitamin K injections became the topic of conversation and when asked whether midwives would administer the vitamin K shot or not my lecturer, who is also an anesthetist, advised of course they would, along with the heel prick test. Can you tell me, is this actually true. I'd love to hear your feedback. Regards Kim Your friendly list admin :-) --- Kim Hunter List Administration Birth International ACE Graphics and Associates in Childbirth Education http://www.birthinternational.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K
Thanks Jan, There is definitely more to this issue than I first thought. Regards Kim At 08:16 4/06/2004, you wrote: Hi Kim Healthy women having home births rarely opt for these injections to be given to their newborn. Once the parents have read all the available literature they can't see the sense in injecting their baby if it is not at risk of a bleeding disorder or contacting Hep B. I fear most women giving birth in hospital only hear the manufacturer's reasons for using their product accompanied by a staff attitude that makes parents feel neglectful if they don't agree to having the injections administered. Information about the benefits of mother's diet rich in Vit K and the importance of family hygeine in the home surroundings are rarely discussed when discussing haemorrhagic disease or Hepatitis B. Providing one-sided information is just another way of making the majority of women and their families dependent on medical science to ensure optimal health for all. I wouldn't want my baby having IMI injections while it is trying to make the transition to extrauterine life (unless of course I was in a bed next to a Hep B carrier or being cared for by staff with the same status. Jan Robinson On Thursday, June 3, 2004, at 05:04 PM, Lois Wattis wrote: Dear Kim, yes, midwives do administer the Vit K injection, and the Hep B injection, and whatever else is deemed necessary for the poor jabbed baby. Be aware also that Vit K is able to be administered orally (three doses spaced over first month of life) giving much the same prophylactic treatment as intramuscular injections. Have a look at Sara Wickham's articles and AIMS publications about Vitamin K for an alternative perspective - visit http://www.withwoman.co.uk/http://www.withwoman.co.uk/Best wishes, Lois - Original Message - From: Alan Irene [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, June 03, 2004 2:24 PM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K Hi Kim Yes we do give the vitamin K injection within a few hours of birth. The heel prick test is usually done on the third day after birth Alan -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kim Hunter Sent: Thursday, 3 June 2004 16:03 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K Hi everyone, I was hoping you wouldn't mind answering a question I have. I have been doing a bit of study over the past 18 months and two of my subjects are AnatPhys and Pathology. Recently, in class vitamin K injections became the topic of conversation and when asked whether midwives would administer the vitamin K shot or not my lecturer, who is also an anesthetist, advised of course they would, along with the heel prick test. Can you tell me, is this actually true. I'd love to hear your feedback. Regards Kim Your friendly list admin :-) --- Kim Hunter List Administration Birth International ACE Graphics and Associates in Childbirth Education http://www.birthinternational.com/http://www.birthinternational.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.auhttp://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.auhttp://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.auhttp://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. Jan Robinson 8 Robin Crescent South Hurstville NSW 2221 Australia Phone/Fax: 02 9546 4350 www: midwiferyeducation.com.au National Coordinator Australian Society of Independently Practising Midwives (ASIM) /blockquote/x-html -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K info
I haven't been able to find it, although I know I have had it in the past. I'll post it if I find it. Lois - Original Message - From: Denise Hynd [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, May 08, 2004 5:48 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K info Lois What is the url for Sara's web site?? Denise - Original Message - From: Lois J Wattis [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, May 07, 2004 8:33 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K info Dear Sue, Sara Wickham (UK) has done a lot of work on Vit K. Her email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] according to the contacts list in the Practising Midwife. Cheers, Lois - Original Message - From: Sue Cookson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, May 07, 2004 4:28 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K info Hi all, Am doing some work through uni on vitamin K and am wondering if any of you have answers or leads to the following questions: * In the Netherlands, babies receive a dose of (oral?)vitamin K at birth, and then drops of vitamin K daily until some months old - can anyone advise me of the vitamin preparation they receive and its ingredients, or at least its manufacturers so that I can contact them directly and in fact confirm that this is the current policy. *In Denmark, babies receive an oral dose at birth followed by weekly doses of 1mg until some months of age. Again looking for specific names and doses and ingredients and confirmation. * I have found a product called K Quinone marketed in the USA, but I can't find out much about it. Any American midwives out there know this product and use it. *Any other products known that are not part of the major pharmaceutical drive that are marketed as vitamin K supplementation? *Some articles suggest that phenol is still part of Konakion, by Roche. The insert in the Konakion MM packets does not mention phenol, but does say the insert does not contain all the information ... anyone any the wiser?? If any of you can forward this to other midwifery lists internationally I would be very grateful. Many thanks for any help you can provide, Sue Cookson -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K info
Leive Thank you Denise - Original Message - From: Lieve Huybrechts [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, May 10, 2004 2:33 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K info Hoi Denise and Lois, Sara's website is www.withwoman.co.uk and you can ask a booklet for review From: Beverley Lawrence Beech [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Vitamin K and the Newborn Date: Mon, 14 Jul 2003 09:52:32 +0100 Dear All. AIMS has just published a new booklet on the issues surrounding Vitamin K. If you would like a review copy please contact Beverley Beech by email or Tel: 020 8390 9534 --- Warm greetings Lieve On 08-05-2004 11:48, Denise Hynd [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Lois What is the url for Sara's web site?? Denise - Original Message - From: Lois J Wattis [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, May 07, 2004 8:33 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K info Dear Sue, Sara Wickham (UK) has done a lot of work on Vit K. Her email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] according to the contacts list in the Practising Midwife. Cheers, Lois - Original Message - From: Sue Cookson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, May 07, 2004 4:28 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K info Hi all, Am doing some work through uni on vitamin K and am wondering if any of you have answers or leads to the following questions: * In the Netherlands, babies receive a dose of (oral?)vitamin K at birth, and then drops of vitamin K daily until some months old - can anyone advise me of the vitamin preparation they receive and its ingredients, or at least its manufacturers so that I can contact them directly and in fact confirm that this is the current policy. *In Denmark, babies receive an oral dose at birth followed by weekly doses of 1mg until some months of age. Again looking for specific names and doses and ingredients and confirmation. * I have found a product called K Quinone marketed in the USA, but I can't find out much about it. Any American midwives out there know this product and use it. *Any other products known that are not part of the major pharmaceutical drive that are marketed as vitamin K supplementation? *Some articles suggest that phenol is still part of Konakion, by Roche. The insert in the Konakion MM packets does not mention phenol, but does say the insert does not contain all the information ... anyone any the wiser?? If any of you can forward this to other midwifery lists internationally I would be very grateful. Many thanks for any help you can provide, Sue Cookson -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K info
Lois What is the url for Sara's web site?? Denise - Original Message - From: Lois J Wattis [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, May 07, 2004 8:33 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K info Dear Sue, Sara Wickham (UK) has done a lot of work on Vit K. Her email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] according to the contacts list in the Practising Midwife. Cheers, Lois - Original Message - From: Sue Cookson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, May 07, 2004 4:28 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K info Hi all, Am doing some work through uni on vitamin K and am wondering if any of you have answers or leads to the following questions: * In the Netherlands, babies receive a dose of (oral?)vitamin K at birth, and then drops of vitamin K daily until some months old - can anyone advise me of the vitamin preparation they receive and its ingredients, or at least its manufacturers so that I can contact them directly and in fact confirm that this is the current policy. *In Denmark, babies receive an oral dose at birth followed by weekly doses of 1mg until some months of age. Again looking for specific names and doses and ingredients and confirmation. * I have found a product called K Quinone marketed in the USA, but I can't find out much about it. Any American midwives out there know this product and use it. *Any other products known that are not part of the major pharmaceutical drive that are marketed as vitamin K supplementation? *Some articles suggest that phenol is still part of Konakion, by Roche. The insert in the Konakion MM packets does not mention phenol, but does say the insert does not contain all the information ... anyone any the wiser?? If any of you can forward this to other midwifery lists internationally I would be very grateful. Many thanks for any help you can provide, Sue Cookson -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
[ozmidwifery] Vitamin K info
Hi all, Am doing some work through uni on vitamin K and am wondering if any of you have answers or leads to the following questions: * In the Netherlands, babies receive a dose of (oral?)vitamin K at birth, and then drops of vitamin K daily until some months old - can anyone advise me of the vitamin preparation they receive and its ingredients, or at least its manufacturers so that I can contact them directly and in fact confirm that this is the current policy. *In Denmark, babies receive an oral dose at birth followed by weekly doses of 1mg until some months of age. Again looking for specific names and doses and ingredients and confirmation. * I have found a product called K Quinone marketed in the USA, but I can't find out much about it. Any American midwives out there know this product and use it. *Any other products known that are not part of the major pharmaceutical drive that are marketed as vitamin K supplementation? *Some articles suggest that phenol is still part of Konakion, by Roche. The insert in the Konakion MM packets does not mention phenol, but does say the insert does not contain all the information ... anyone any the wiser?? If any of you can forward this to other midwifery lists internationally I would be very grateful. Many thanks for any help you can provide, Sue Cookson -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K info
Dear Sue, Sara Wickham (UK) has done a lot of work on Vit K. Her email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] according to the contacts list in the Practising Midwife. Cheers, Lois - Original Message - From: Sue Cookson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, May 07, 2004 4:28 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K info Hi all, Am doing some work through uni on vitamin K and am wondering if any of you have answers or leads to the following questions: * In the Netherlands, babies receive a dose of (oral?)vitamin K at birth, and then drops of vitamin K daily until some months old - can anyone advise me of the vitamin preparation they receive and its ingredients, or at least its manufacturers so that I can contact them directly and in fact confirm that this is the current policy. *In Denmark, babies receive an oral dose at birth followed by weekly doses of 1mg until some months of age. Again looking for specific names and doses and ingredients and confirmation. * I have found a product called K Quinone marketed in the USA, but I can't find out much about it. Any American midwives out there know this product and use it. *Any other products known that are not part of the major pharmaceutical drive that are marketed as vitamin K supplementation? *Some articles suggest that phenol is still part of Konakion, by Roche. The insert in the Konakion MM packets does not mention phenol, but does say the insert does not contain all the information ... anyone any the wiser?? If any of you can forward this to other midwifery lists internationally I would be very grateful. Many thanks for any help you can provide, Sue Cookson -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K info
Hi Sue: I think the alternative Vitamin K product used in the uSA by some midwives is Phytoquinone (not sure). This product is produced at the Bastyr University (A large Naturopathic University) Pharmacy, Seattle, Washington. This university also graduated midwives who were the ND, LM's (doctors of naturopathy, licensed midwives). I see if I can find the Bastyr website and post it. regards marilyn - Original Message - From: Sue Cookson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, May 07, 2004 1:28 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K info Hi all, Am doing some work through uni on vitamin K and am wondering if any of you have answers or leads to the following questions: * In the Netherlands, babies receive a dose of (oral?)vitamin K at birth, and then drops of vitamin K daily until some months old - can anyone advise me of the vitamin preparation they receive and its ingredients, or at least its manufacturers so that I can contact them directly and in fact confirm that this is the current policy. *In Denmark, babies receive an oral dose at birth followed by weekly doses of 1mg until some months of age. Again looking for specific names and doses and ingredients and confirmation. * I have found a product called K Quinone marketed in the USA, but I can't find out much about it. Any American midwives out there know this product and use it. *Any other products known that are not part of the major pharmaceutical drive that are marketed as vitamin K supplementation? *Some articles suggest that phenol is still part of Konakion, by Roche. The insert in the Konakion MM packets does not mention phenol, but does say the insert does not contain all the information ... anyone any the wiser?? If any of you can forward this to other midwifery lists internationally I would be very grateful. Many thanks for any help you can provide, Sue Cookson -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K info
Hi Sue: the Bastyr website is: www.bastyr.edu . I couldn't find any info on the product I mentioned onm the site, so i have sent off an email will send it on when I get a reply. cheers marilyn - Original Message - From: Sue Cookson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, May 07, 2004 1:28 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Vitamin K info Hi all, Am doing some work through uni on vitamin K and am wondering if any of you have answers or leads to the following questions: * In the Netherlands, babies receive a dose of (oral?)vitamin K at birth, and then drops of vitamin K daily until some months old - can anyone advise me of the vitamin preparation they receive and its ingredients, or at least its manufacturers so that I can contact them directly and in fact confirm that this is the current policy. *In Denmark, babies receive an oral dose at birth followed by weekly doses of 1mg until some months of age. Again looking for specific names and doses and ingredients and confirmation. * I have found a product called K Quinone marketed in the USA, but I can't find out much about it. Any American midwives out there know this product and use it. *Any other products known that are not part of the major pharmaceutical drive that are marketed as vitamin K supplementation? *Some articles suggest that phenol is still part of Konakion, by Roche. The insert in the Konakion MM packets does not mention phenol, but does say the insert does not contain all the information ... anyone any the wiser?? If any of you can forward this to other midwifery lists internationally I would be very grateful. Many thanks for any help you can provide, Sue Cookson -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Vitamin K
It's interesting to see Vitamin K mentioned by several people in the context of the discussion on resuscitation. There have been cases reported in the literature in which babies were given oxytocic in stead of vitamin K, with disastrous consequences. ACMI Vic Branch took action several years ago, and developed a Position Statement on storage and administration of neonatal Vitamin K. The Nurses Board of Victoria reprinted the Position Statement in Nexus June 1998 (which is distributed to all who are registered), with the statement The Board considers that the following Position Statement ... should be drawn to the attention of all Midwives in Victoria. This serious potential for harm should be dealt with by changing practice, and I urge any midwives on this list to ensure that such errors could not happen where you work. I have copied out the statement below fyi. Joy Johnston ACMI Victorian Branch Position Statement (published ACMI Vic. Open Line 1997. 5:2, p8) Storage and Administration of Neonatal Vitamin K In recent years there have been several reports of accidental administration of oxytocic (ergometrine) to newborn infants in Victorian maternity units. These incidents have apparently occurred when oxytocic drugs, intended for administration to the woman, have been stored near to neonatal Vitamin K (Konakion), intended for prophylactic administration to the infant. The reported adverse effects in the infants include one fatality, respiratory distress, apnoea, and convulsions. The Victorian Poisons Information Centre advises that neonatal Vitamin K should not be administered to the infant in the birthing area. The Victorian Branch of the Australian College of Midwives (the College) endorses this advice. The College recommends a review of procedures and policies in the light of this information. Vitamin K is not an emergency drug. Non-emergency medical treatments should not be allowed to interfere with the early contact and bonding between the woman and her child. Vitamin K should be given at an appropriate time, and with the mother's informed consent. References: The Aust J Hospital Pharmacy 1996. 26: p454 ACMI Vic. Open Line 1997. 5:2, p8 Mitchell AA et al. Accidental administration of ergometrine to a newborn (letter) JAMA 1983; 250:730 Donatini B et al. Inadvertent administration of uterolytics to neonates (letter) Lancett 1993; 341:839 Pandey SK and Haines CL. Accidental administration of ergometrine to a newborn infant. BMJ 1982; 285:693 -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Fw: E-News 3:44 - Vitamin K (October 31, 2001)
MIDWIFERY TODAY E-NEWS a publication of Midwifery Today, Inc. Volume 3 Issue 44 October 31, 2001 Vitamin K Code 940 3) News Flashes The tumor suppressor protein p53, brought on by youthful pregnancy, appears to reduce the risk of breast cancer, according to a Baylor College of Medicine study. One of the researchers commented that women who have a pregnancy at age 19 or younger have a 40% to 50% decreased risk of breast cancer. In the study, estrogen and progesterone were given to young female rats and mice. They found a significant increase in both the levels and nuclear accumulation of p53 compared with untreated age-matched virgin animals. When the researchers induced cancer with carcinogenic chemicals later in the animals' lives, they observed that hormone administration blocked mammary gland epithelial cell proliferation. Whether this effect is the same in humans is not known. -Proc Natl Acad Sci 2001;98:12379-12384. =PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!= Baby T's www.babyts.com You made out your birth certificate -- now make out your Birth SHIRTificate! Midwives, consider our unique gifts for your newest babes! Baby T's offers unique personalized designs on infant T-shirts, sweats, rompers, teddy bears, and much more. Great T-shirt gifts for the whole family. Subscribe to our product specials newsletter and you automatically enter a monthly drawing for $20! =THANK YOU!= 4) Vitamin K [Editor's note: The following are excerpts from a lengthy article published in Midwifery Today magazine. For fuller understanding of this complex topic, we recommend you read the article, which lists 40 references, in its entirety. This issue also contains two other excellent, referenced articles about vitamin K.] The recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin K is 10 mcg for infants. Human milk does not provide this much vitamin K to the breastfed baby at any stage of lactation, despite the fact that mothers on average consumed 670% of the adult RDI. In fact, nursing babies received on average only 7-13% of the RDI. Giving the mothers a modest daily supplement of 88 mcg/day did not increase breastmilk concentration of the vitamin. A large daily supplement, 5000 mcg, taken by breastfeeding mothers increased the amount of vitamin K in their milk to the same level with which formulas are fortified. Whether or not the RDI represents the amount of vitamin K that babies truly need is a matter that can be debated. The small quantities of vitamin K in human milk are adequate for most babies, as evidenced by the fact that the vast majority of breastfed babies do not develop vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). A single IM dose results in extremely high levels of vitamin K in the newborns' blood soon after injection: the peak median plasma concentration at 12 hours is 9000 times the normal adult level, and from one to four days after the injection the levels are about 100 times higher than in a normal adult. It is unknown what risk there is in exposing the newborn to these high concentrations of vitamin K. Cancer was suggested as a potential risk as early as 1983, but the evidence to date is inconclusive. Golding et al. found that intramuscular vitamin K supplementation given to newborns was associated with an increased risk of certain childhood cancers (B J Cancer 62: 304-308). This unexpected result occurred in a national cohort study done in Britain. The authors found similar results in a second study. Several subsequent studies showed no evidence of risk. However, the most recent studies have been unable to exclude the possibility that intramuscular vitamin K given to newborns may raise their risk for developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia in childhood. The evidence does not prove that intramuscular vitamin K is carcinogenic, and the risk, if any, is likely to be low. The evidence does not suggest that oral vitamin K poses a risk. Some opponents of vitamin K supplementation argue that evolution designed human milk to contain the optimal amount of vitamin K for the nursing baby. This may well be true, but it is possible that a design that worked well for lactating women during the majority of human evolution would not work as well in the contemporary world. The majority of human evolution occurred during the long period before agriculture, when humans were hunter-gatherers. The diets of humans during those times were likely very different than diets today, and this could have affected the level of vitamin K present in mothers' milk. Intramuscular vitamin K prevents late VKDB in almost all babies. Although late VKDB does sometimes occur after a single oral dose, and to a lesser extent after a series of three doses, these oral dosing regimens do confer some degree of protection. A recent study, using data from Britain, estimates that among breastfed babies not given vitamin K, the risk of late VKDB is 19.1 per
