Vitamin K, which can become dangerous

In 1894, Charles Townsend identified that 0.6% of all newborns suffer from a bleeding disorder that is fatal in 62% of cases. Later, the incidence was reported as 1:4000 to 1:8000.

Newborns have a natural deficiency in vitamin K, which is required for a functioning blood clotting system. This can lead to spontaneous bleeding in young infants. We are particularly concerned about brain hemorrhages and their devastating consequences.

Breastfeeding does not provide a sufficient amount of the vitamin. We administer vitamin K oil to newborns at 4 hours, 4 days, and finally again at 4 weeks of age.

Since the middle of the last century, the prophylactic administration of vitamin K has been the medical standard almost everywhere in the world. This healthcare measure has almost completely eliminated life-threatening bleeding.

In recent days and weeks, I have once again encountered skepticism regarding this care. For many years, this had not happened, and I wonder why. In some situations, an informative discussion helped, while other parents remained convinced that their baby was being poisoned.

We live in a state of health prosperity that makes us blind to many things. What is only found in history books no longer causes much fear. At the same time, the media presents us with unfiltered alternative paths every day. Keeping track of it all is not easy.

As a mother, I don't always know what is right for our children either, but as a scientist, the path of conventional medicine is clearly the guiding one for me.

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