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Vitamin K

All articles tagged with #vitamin k

Newborn Vitamin K Refusal Surges 57%, HBV Vaccine Rejection Jumps 107%
health2 months ago

Newborn Vitamin K Refusal Surges 57%, HBV Vaccine Rejection Jumps 107%

Recent data indicates a sharp increase in parental refusal of routine newborn interventions. While the primary source reports a 57% rise in vitamin K shot refusals, secondary reporting from Healio highlights a 107% surge in Hepatitis B vaccine non-receipt. These trends suggest a broader decline in trust for standard newborn medical procedures, potentially reversing decades of progress in preventing infant bleeding and infectious diseases.

Vitamin K refusal rates surge 57% as newborn bleeding risks mount
health2 months ago

Vitamin K refusal rates surge 57% as newborn bleeding risks mount

Refusals of the standard vitamin K shot for newborns in the US have spiked sharply, with rates rising 57% from January to June 2026. This surge, linked to broader vaccine mistrust, leaves infants at significantly higher risk for life-threatening bleeding. While officials deny a direct link to recent policy changes, pediatricians report a growing crisis in hospital settings.

Vitamin K Orchestrates Bone Remodeling via GAS6 Signaling
science4 months ago

Vitamin K Orchestrates Bone Remodeling via GAS6 Signaling

A study reveals a vitamin K–dependent signaling pathway in osteoblasts that regulates osteoclast maturation and bone resorption via GAS6-TAM signaling; deleting γ-glutamyl carboxylase in osteoblasts increases bone mass by reducing resorption, while GAS6 stimulates osteoclast formation; elevated GAS6 lowers bone density in vivo, highlighting GAS6/TAM signaling as a potential osteoporosis target.

Engineered vitamin K compounds aim to spur brain neuron regrowth
health-and-medicine5 months ago

Engineered vitamin K compounds aim to spur brain neuron regrowth

Japanese researchers developed vitamin K analogs linked to retinoic acid that threefold boost the differentiation of neural progenitor cells into neurons and cross the blood–brain barrier in mice, increasing brain MK-4 levels; this points to a regenerative approach for diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s, though human trials are not yet underway.

Watercress crowned health champ: why it’s the world’s healthiest veg and how to eat more
health7 months ago

Watercress crowned health champ: why it’s the world’s healthiest veg and how to eat more

Watercress has been crowned the world's healthiest vegetable after scoring perfectly on the CDC’s 41-item powerhouse list. This peppery brassica is exceptionally nutrient-dense for a leafy green, delivering vitamins A, C and K, folate, calcium and iron, plus glucosinolates that form anti-inflammatory sulforaphane. It’s very low in calories (about 10–15 kcal per 100g) and versatile in salads, soups, sandwiches or pesto. It may help lower LDL cholesterol and protect cells via antioxidants, though more research is needed. To maximise absorption, pair it with healthy fats and vitamin C–rich foods. People taking warfarin should keep intake consistent, and lithium users should note its diuretic effect. A typical serving is 40–80g.

Rising hesitancy extends to newborn vitamin K, eye ointment, and vaccines
health7 months ago

Rising hesitancy extends to newborn vitamin K, eye ointment, and vaccines

Doctors warn that growing anti-science sentiment and medical mistrust are prompting some parents to refuse routine newborn preventive measures beyond vaccines, including vitamin K injections and erythromycin eye ointment, with declines in hepatitis B vaccination also reported. A JAMA study found vitamin K refusals rose from 2.9% to 5.2% between 2017 and 2024. Experts say these refusals raise the risk of serious bleeding and preventable infections, and emphasize patient‑centered dialogue to address concerns and protect infants.

Newborn Vitamin K Refusals Surge in U.S., Raising Brain Bleed Risk
health7 months ago

Newborn Vitamin K Refusals Surge in U.S., Raising Brain Bleed Risk

A growing share of U.S. parents are declining the vitamin K shot for newborns, with refusals rising from about 2.9% in 2017 to 5.2% in 2024. Doctors warn this increases the risk of vitamin K deficiency bleeding, including brain bleeds, and note declines in other preventive measures like hepatitis B vaccination and eye ointment. Attitudes are fueled by anti-science sentiment and misinformation on social media, and some cases have prompted fatalities. Experts advocate patient, respectful education to counter misconceptions and protect infant health.

Rising Refusals of Newborn Preventive Care Alarm Health Officials
health7 months ago

Rising Refusals of Newborn Preventive Care Alarm Health Officials

A JAMA study of more than 5 million births finds a sharp rise in parents declining routine newborn preventive care, notably vitamin K shots (2.9% to 5.2% from 2017 to 2024), with related declines in eye ointment and hepatitis B vaccination. Doctors warn that skipping these measures risks serious bleeding and infections, and cite anti-science misinformation and social-media influences as driving factors. Health professionals stress respectful, informative conversations to address concerns and protect infants.

New vaccine policy shifts stoke questions about newborn care
health9 months ago

New vaccine policy shifts stoke questions about newborn care

U.S. vaccine-policy changes under Health Secretary Kennedy are fueling hesitation in labor wards, with doctors reporting more families delaying standard newborn care such as vitamin K injections and erythromycin eye ointment amid distrust and social-media misinformation. While pediatricians stress these treatments and routine immunizations are crucial—and some measles outbreaks spur early vaccination—officials say policy shifts haven’t caused the declines. In 2024, vitamin K was not given to more than 5% of newborns, up from under 3% in 2017, with some parents opting for oral vitamin K.

Rising Refusal of Newborn Vitamin K Shot Sparks VKDB Risk, Doctors Warn
health9 months ago

Rising Refusal of Newborn Vitamin K Shot Sparks VKDB Risk, Doctors Warn

A NIH analysis finds newborn vitamin K shot refusals rose from 2.9% in 2017 to 5.2% in 2024, with Long Island doctors reporting several VKDB-related hospitalizations, including at least five cases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital; doctors emphasize the shot is safe and prevents life-threatening bleeding, while distrust and social media misinformation fuel refusals, and New York requires the shot but does not track refusals.

Vitamin K: The Essential Nutrient for Bone and Heart Health
health1 year ago

Vitamin K: The Essential Nutrient for Bone and Heart Health

Vitamin K is a vital but often overlooked nutrient that supports blood clotting, directs calcium into bones, and prevents arterial calcification, thereby promoting strong bones and a healthy heart. It exists in two main forms, K₁ from leafy greens and K₂ from fermented foods and animal products, and is essential for overall health, especially for those on blood-thinning medications. Regular intake through diet is crucial for maintaining optimal levels and preventing deficiencies that can lead to weakened bones and cardiovascular issues.