A study titled "Improving the vitamin K status of Breastfeeding infants with maternal vitamin K supplements was published in Pediatrics 1997 Jan; 99 (1):88-92. Its conclusion stated, " In exclusively breastfed infants who receive intramuscular phylloquinone at birth, the vitamin K status as measured by plasma phylloquinone and des-gamma-carboxy-prothrombin concentrations is improved by maternal oral supplements of 5 mg/d phylloquinone through the first 12 weeks of life. There is another study, " A new mixed micellar preparation for oral vitamin K prophylaxis: randomised controlled comparison with an intramuscular formulation in breastfed infants." Arch Dis Child 1998 Oct; 79(4):300-5. Its conclusion stated, Plasma vitamin K concentrations were at least equal or significantly higher in babies given oral vit K supplements compared with IM treated babies at the time points measured. Through the first 8 weeks of life, multiple doses of the new oral preparation (Konakion MM) maintain haemostasis and vit K status in breastfed infants at least equal to that of the IM prep. It is my understanding that this is being researched to prevent late hemorrhagic disease of the newborn and or cancer from IM vit K. I have some questions. 1. This is several times the RDA-What effect could this short-term supplementation have on the mother, if any? The prenatals I have contain 25 mcg, this is not routinely given and wouldn't be enough. 2. If late hemorrhagic disease is connected to high PIVKA values, why don't we screen for it? Is it too expensive? 3. If this has been connected to low vitamin K levels during pregnancy, does this occur in mothers who are taking prenatal vitamins? What about checking mom's vit K levels prior to birth? 4. Do you think women should be routinely supplemented with Vit K based on this study? 5. What about the new oral prep? It sounds good to me and it may eliminate the controversy over vit K and cancer. Thanks. Christine Betzold RNP MSN CLE *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html