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An injection of vitamin K (1.0 mg) is routinely administered to all newborns to prevent unexpected bleeding caused by low levels of vitamin K-dependent blood clotting factors. Vitamin K is present in green vegetables, vegetable oils, and dairy products, but intake or supplementation during pregnancy does not ensure prevention of vitamin K deficiency in newborns.
The syndrome of vitamin K deficiency bleeding occurs in approximately 1 in 10,000 babies. Hemorrhagic disease that occurs from week 2-12 of life is the most dangerous form. Half of these affected babies suffer sudden bleeding into the brain, and 20 percent of affected babies die. Studies have shown that a single injection or oral dose of vitamin K at birth results in adequate coagulation status and vitamin K levels for up to three months following birth.
Injected vitamin K ran into a problem when researchers in 1990 noted an increased incidence of childhood cancer in children given vitamin K injections at birth. Specifically, they found that injected vitamin K doubled the incidence of leukemia in children less than ten years of age. A subsequent study in 1992 revealed the same association between injected vitamin K and cancer, but no such association with oral vitamin K. These researchers recommended exclusive use of oral vitamin K.
Since vitamin K given within 12 hours of birth can reduce the risk of vitamin K deficiency bleeding, it seems prudent to give an oral dose of 1-2 mg. Injections of vitamin K are painful and can cause bruising at the injection site. There may also be an increased risk of cancer associated with vitamin K injections.
Mothers should eat foods with high vitamin K content during pregnancy (green vegetables and dairy products) because vitamin K is transferred to the fetus across the placenta. Pregnant women can also take alfalfa tablets during pregnancy, a good source of vitamin K.
It is also advisable to give 1-2 mg. of vitamin K to breastfed infants at ages one to two weeks and at four weeks. Formulas are already supplemented with vitamin K. Alternatively, nursing mothers can take a daily dose of vitamin K during the first three months following birth. If nursing mothers take a daily 5 mg. vitamin K supplement, their babies vitamin K status improves through the first 12 weeks of life.
Although oral vitamin K is not licensed for use as a drug by the FDA, drops for oral administration are available. Typically, one drop contains 2 mg. of vitamin K. Contact a midwife in your area, or a birthing supply company (such as birthwithlove.com), or Scientific Botanicals (206 527-5521) where your health care provider can order liquid vitamin K directly.
Dr. Neustaedter has practiced homeopathic medicine for over twenty years, specializing in child health care. An accomplished and well-recognized author, his works include an authoritative text, Homeopathic Pediatrics, and a popular book for parents, The Vaccine Guide: Making an Informed Choice (1996), a revision of his previous book, The Immunization Decision (1990). He has contributed extensively to the journals that comprise the homeopathic medical literature. Dr. Neustaedter currently manages the Vaccine and Immunization Forum and coordinates the Vaccination content site in HealthWorld Online - http://www.healthy.net/vaccine. A licensed acupuncturist with a doctorate in Oriental Medicine, Dr. Neustaedter practices at the Classical Medicine Center in Redwood City, California (650-299-9170).
VITAMIN K & HEMOPHILIA
GENERAL HEMOPHILIA INFORMATION
Hemophilia is a rare disease that prevents the blood from clotting normally. A person with hemophilia lacks the necessary clotting factors to stop bleeding, so he often needs some sort of intermittent treatment to avoid serious blood loss in the event of a cut or injury. Approximately 20,000 Americans suffer from hemophilia. The disease can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on the how impaired a person's clotting factors are.
The idea that a hemophiliac can bleed to death from a minor cut is a fallacy. A person with hemophilia may bleed a bit longer from a minor external injury or cut, but most of these problems can be easily remedied using typical first aid practices. The biggest concern for hemophiliacs is internal bleeding because it can occur without obvious signs and can cause very serious, life-threatening situations. Bleeding into the joints, muscles and other soft tissues is of major concern.
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF HEMOPHILIA
There are two major types of hemophilia, classified depending on which particular clotting protein is missing:
- Hemophilia A is caused by a lack of factor VIII. It accounts for approximately 80 percent of all hemophilia cases. It is passed to male children from a mother who carries the disease.
- Hemophilia B, also caused Christmas disease, is caused by a deficiency of factor IX. It is also passed to male children by a mother who is a carrier.
It is also possible to experience clotting problems due to a factor XI deficiency. This condition can be carried by both males and females and can be inherited by male and female children.
POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS OF HEMOPHILIA
Initial symptoms of hemophilia usually occur during infancy, but some people with mild forms of the disease may not notice symptoms until adulthood. Symptoms in newborns with hemophilia include bleeding into the muscles and a deep bruise following a routine vitamin K shot, and profuse bleeding following circumcision. Other symptoms include bleeding into a joint that is accompanied by pain and swelling, easy bruising, recurring nosebleeds, abnormal bleeding following injury and blood in the urine. Signs of bleeding into a joint are warmth, tingling, swelling, inflammation and pain in a joint. Signs of bleeding into a muscle are bruising, swelling, tenderness and pain in the muscle.
POSSIBLE LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR HEMOPHILIA
Eat a diet high in vitamin K. Watch for early signs of internal bleeding, including a tingling sensation or feeling of warmth or stiffness in the area. Exercise with care and maintain a healthy body weight. Learn proper first aid techniques to stop bleeding and have necessary first aid materials available in case of injury. All hemophiliacs should wear identity bracelets that identifies their condition in the event of emergency. Do not take aspirin, which is an anticlotting agent. Be especially observant when caring for a child who is a hemophiliac by watching for signs of muscle and joint pain.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Hemophilia
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VITAMIN K SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Herbal Remedies: Full Spectrum Vitamin K, Allergy Research Group / Nutricology, 90 Softgels
A comprehensive vitamin K formula contains vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2 with other fat-soluble antioxidant co-factors, such as vitamins A, D and E (as gamma-and delta-tocotrienols).
Herbal Remedies: Alfalfa, NOW Foods, 650 mg, 500 Tabs
NOW Food's Alfalfa tablets deliver excellent health benefits. Alfalfa is a rich natural source of chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals and protein which supports a healthy colon.
Herbal Remedies: Vitamin K-2, Source Naturals, 60 Tabs
Source Naturals Vitamin K 2 is an excellent source of Vitamin K 2 which is a more biologically active form of vitamin K extracted from a fermented Japanese soyfood called natto, a powerhouse of nutrients. Fat-soluble, it is an essential cofactor for the production of proteins that bind calcium, supporting cardiovascular and bone health. Vitamin K2 is more efficient than K1 because it remains in circulation longer and is active in more tissues.
Herbal Remedies: Jason Vitamin K Creme Plus, 2 oz.
Jason Vitamin K Creme Plus is an intense skin nourishing creme that uses a unique combination of horse chestnut, calendula and bioflavonoids. Regular use of this harmonious blend of natural ingredients and vitamin-enriched treatment will help tone down redness, minimize the appearance of broken blood vessels, heal bruises faster, relieve pain from burns, lighten under eye circles and moisturize extremely dry skin.
Herbal Remedies: Chlorophyll With Alfalfa Powder, 100 mg, NOW Foods, 90 Caps
Chlorophyll is a unique substance found in all green plants and is sometimes called the blood of plant life. Identified as sodium-copper chlorophyllin, this water soluble extract is derived exclusively from alfalfa through a natural process.
Herbal Remedies: Alfa Max, Alfalfa Extract, Nature's Way, 525 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Alfa-Max Alfalfa Extract capsules is a 10x extract of fresh green Alfalfa leaves.
Herbal Remedies: Alfalfa Leaves, Nature's Way, 405 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Alfalfa Leaves are organically grown by Trout Lake Farm, Washington, and Certified Organically Processed in accordance with Oregon Tilth standards and the California Organic Foods Act of 1990.
Herbal Remedies: Alfalfa Powder Whole Food Supplement, NOW Foods, 1 lb.
Alfalfa Powder is a supplement which can be blended into vegetable juices or used in baking or in vegetarian dishes. Alfalfa Powder is a whole food supplement highly valued for its nutrition.
Herbal Remedies: Chlorofresh Liquid Chlorophyll, Mint Flavor, Nature's Way, 16 fl. oz.
Chlorofresh is a special liquid chlorophyll complex, derived from premium alfalfa leaves.
Herbal Remedies: Chlorofresh Liquid Natural, Nature's Way, 16 fl. oz.
Chlorofresh is a special liquid chlorophyll complex, derived from premium alfalfa leaves. Chlorofresh is used chiefly as an aid to reduce odor from a colostomy or ileostomy and to reduce fecal odor due to incontinence.
Herbal Remedies: Chlorofresh Chlorophyll Supplement, Nature's Way, 50 mg, 90 Softgels
Chlorofresh, Chlorophyll Supplement, is used chiefly as an aid to reduce odor from a colostomy or ileostomy and to reduce fecal odor due to incontinence.
Herbal Remedies: Green Food Powder, Barlean's Greens, Gluten Free, 4.7 oz.
Barlean's Greens contains only what is listed on the label. No other ingredients or fillers of any kind have been added.
Herbal Remedies: Green Phyto Foods Vegetarian Powder, NOW Foods, 10 oz.
Green Phyto Foods is a potent vegetarian blend of 30 nutrient dense superfoods containing a variety of vitamins, minerals, fiber, chlorophyll, enzymes and herbs.
Herbal Remedies: Green Phyto Foods, NOW Foods, 1000 mg, 90 Tabs
These green foods naturally contain high concentrations of chlorophyll and are harvested seasonally to take advantage of high potencies of naturally occurring nutrients. Everyone should consume green superfoods daily.
Herbal Remedies: ProGreens Powder, With Advanced Probiotic, Allergy Research Group / Nutricology, 9.3 oz.
ProGreens is an all-natural blended variety of "Super Foods" that provide broad-spectrum nutritional support from certified organic grasses and natural food factors not found in isolated vitamins or mineral concentrates.
Herbal Remedies: ProGreens, With Advanced Probiotic, Allergy Research Group / Nutricology, 180 Caps
ProGreens is an all-natural blended variety of "Super Foods" that provide broad-spectrum nutritional support from certified organic grasses and natural food factors not found in isolated vitamins or mineral concentrates.
Herbal Remedies: Wheatgrass Supplements & Products
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