Does vitamin K2 pass through breast milk?

Does Vitamin K2 Pass Through Breast Milk?
The question of whether vitamin K2 passes through breast milk is an important one for new parents and healthcare providers alike, particularly given the critical role that vitamin K plays in blood clotting and overall infant health.
Vitamin K Levels in Breast Milk
Research indicates that breast milk contains relatively low levels of vitamin K, including vitamin K2, which is primarily found in the form of menaquinone-4 (MK-4). The concentration of vitamin K in breast milk is significantly lower than that found in other sources, such as formula milk. Specifically, breast milk typically contains about 1 to 9 micrograms per liter of vitamin K. This low concentration raises concerns about whether breastfed infants receive adequate amounts of this essential nutrient.
Sources of Vitamin K in Breast Milk
The vitamin K present in breast milk is largely derived from the mother’s dietary intake. The primary source of MK-4 in breast milk is phylloquinone (vitamin K1), which the mother can convert into MK-4. Therefore, a mother’s diet plays a crucial role in determining the vitamin K content of her milk. If a mother consumes sufficient amounts of vitamin K-rich foods, such as leafy greens or fermented foods, it may enhance the levels of vitamin K in her breast milk, albeit still within the low range.
Implications for Infant Health
Given the low levels of vitamin K in breast milk, it is not uncommon for healthcare providers to recommend vitamin K supplementation for newborns. This is particularly important because infants are born with very little vitamin K in their systems, which can lead to a risk of bleeding disorders. The standard practice in many countries is to administer a vitamin K shot shortly after birth to ensure that infants have adequate levels of this vital nutrient.
In summary, while vitamin K2 does pass through breast milk, the amounts are relatively low, and maternal dietary intake significantly influences these levels. This situation underscores the importance of monitoring vitamin K levels in newborns and considering supplementation to prevent potential health issues related to vitamin K deficiency.

Why do people refuse vitamin K for newborns?

The most common responses for refusal were a belief that the injection was unnecessary (53%) and a desire for a natural birthing process (36%). Refusal of other preventive services was common, with 66% of families refusing vitamin K, newborn eye care with erythromycin, and the neonatal dose of hepatitis B vaccine.

Does vitamin K have maternal effects?

Deficiency of vitamin K (VK) can be critical for pregnant women and especially newborns, possibly resulting in haemorrhage. Prothrombin requires VK for blood coagulation. Therefore, when prothrombin levels drop, blood-clotting also slows down and may result in excessive bleeding in mothers or neonates1.

Can vitamins be passed through breast milk?

Vitamin B12 is transferred through the placenta to the fetus during pregnancy and through breast milk after birth. Infants will receive enough vitamin B12 if they: Drink breast milk from a mother who consumes adequate amounts of vitamin B12.

Who shouldn’t take D3 and K2?

Vitamin D & K2 combination side effects
Due to the role of vitamin K in blood clotting, those taking blood thinning medications are advised to avoid supplementation, as vitamin K might reduce the drug’s effect.

What vitamins should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Daily ingestion of 400mg of vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) should be avoided due to safety concerns for the infant. A high dose of vitamin B-6, such as 200mg-600mg daily for many months/years can increase the risk of neuropathy in the mother.

Can a breastfeeding mother take vitamin K?

Alternatively, the nursing mother can take vitamin K supplements daily or twice weekly for 10 weeks. (Supplementation of the pregnant mother does not alter fetal levels but supplementation of the nursing mother does increase breast milk and infant levels.)

Can you take vitamin D3 and K2 while breastfeeding?

In addition, when baby gets Vitamin D through breast milk, he or she will also get Vitamin K2 through breast milk (assuming mama supplements with a high quality Vitamin D3/K2).

Is vitamin K2 safe for babies?

Vitamin K2, as MK-7, has a documented history of safe and effective use in children, as well as in adults.

Does K2 pass through breastmilk?

No. Breast milk is low in vitamin K. Breast milk from mothers who are taking vitamin K supplements is also low in vitamin K. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all newborns, whether breastfed or formula fed, receive a one-time intramuscular shot of vitamin K within 6 hours after birth.

Who Cannot take vitamin K2?

People with a rare metabolic condition called Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency should avoid vitamin K. People who take warfarin (Coumadin) should not take vitamin K (see “Possible Interactions”). People who are receiving dialysis for kidney diseases can have harmful effects from too much vitamin K.