A growing number of parents in the United States are opting out of administering a crucial vitamin K supplement to their newborns, according to a recent study from The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). This decision poses significant health risks, as vitamin K is essential for preventing severe bleeding in infants, a condition known as vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB).
The research, published in JAMA, analyzed medical records of approximately 5 million newborns from 2017 to 2024. The findings reveal a concerning trend: the percentage of newborns not receiving the recommended intramuscular dose of vitamin K increased significantly—from 2.92% in 2017 to 5.18% in 2024. This marks a relative increase of 77% over the study period.
Kristan Scott, a neonatologist and lead author of the study, noted that there seems to be a rising belief among parents that the vitamin K shot is unnecessary. “Unfortunately, opting out of vitamin K for a newborn is akin to gambling with a child’s health,” Scott stated. She emphasized that forgoing this simple and safe intervention increases the risk of severe complications for infants.
The role of vitamin K in the body is critical; it is necessary for the production of proteins that help blood clot. Infants are born with low levels of vitamin K, and it takes time for them to accumulate sufficient amounts from their diet and gut bacteria. As breast milk typically contains minimal vitamin K, the immediate administration of the vitamin K shot is vital to protect newborns from VKDB, which can lead to serious outcomes, including brain hemorrhages.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended administering a single dose of vitamin K to all newborns since 1961, a practice that has effectively reduced the incidence of VKDB in the U.S. Despite this, the recent data indicates a shift in parental attitudes towards the vaccine, potentially influenced by the broader context of vaccine hesitancy.
The researchers speculated that the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated this trend. Increased mistrust in public health authorities has emerged during this time, fueled in part by the anti-vaccination movement that has gained traction. While the study does not pinpoint specific reasons for the rise in vitamin K refusal, it suggests that some parents may conflate vitamin K shots with vaccines, contributing to their decision to decline the supplement.
Scott’s findings highlight a troubling intersection between the vitamin K refusal and the broader anti-vaccination sentiment. “There’s certainly some overlap between people who deny the benefits of supplemental vitamin K at birth and anti-vaccination proponents,” she noted.
This trend is part of a larger pattern of concerning health decisions affecting infants in the U.S. Just recently, an advisory panel, organized by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., recommended against universal hepatitis B vaccination for newborns, further raising alarms about the health implications for children.
In light of these findings, healthcare professionals urge parents to reconsider the importance of vitamin K supplementation at birth. The stakes are high, as the health of newborns hangs in the balance. With increasing rates of refusal, it is imperative to educate parents on the risks associated with forgoing this simple yet crucial medical intervention.
