Newborns are exposed to aluminum through various sources, including vaccines and the vitamin K shot administered shortly after birth. Aluminum is used as an adjuvant in many vaccines to enhance the immune response. However, the package insert for Pfizer’s vitamin K formulation explicitly warns that the product "contains aluminum that may be toxic," and notes that "premature neonates are particularly at risk." Despite this warning, it is common practice to administer vitamin K shots to preterm infants, raising significant safety concerns.

Despite its widespread use, the vitamin K injection has faced criticism from some quarters. Critics argue that the risk of VKDB is minimal and that the injection, which contains synthetic vitamin K (phytonadione) and other additives (including aluminum), may pose potential risks to infants.

​Reported side effects include:

• Cardiac Disorders: Tachycardia, hypotension
• General Disorders: Generalized flushing, pain, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site
• Hepatobiliary Disorders: Hyperbilirubinemia
• Immune System Disorders: Fatal hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylactic reactions
• Neurologic: Dysgeusia, dizziness
• Pulmonary: Dyspnea
• Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Erythema, pruritic plaques, scleroderma-like lesions, erythema perstans
• Vascular: Cyanosis

Deaths have occurred after intravenous and intramuscular administration​.

Additionally, there is a risk of hemolysis, jaundice, and hyperbilirubinemia, particularly in premature infants, if an overdose of phytonadione injectable emulsion occurs.

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for several bodily functions, including blood clotting and bone health. It exists in two primary forms: Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and Vitamin K2 (menaquinone). Both forms play distinct roles in the body.

Functions of Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)

• Blood Clotting (Coagulation)
  1. Activation of Clotting Factors: Vitamin K1 is crucial for the synthesis of several proteins that mediate coagulation, particularly prothrombin (factor II) and factors VII, IX, and X. These proteins are essential for blood clotting and wound healing .
  2. Conversion to Active Forms: It helps convert these clotting factors into their active forms, which can bind calcium ions and participate in the clotting cascade.
• Osteocalcin Activation: Vitamin K1 assists in the carboxylation of osteocalcin, a protein necessary for binding calcium to the bone matrix, thereby contributing to bone mineralization and strength .
• Regulation of Calcification: Vitamin K1 also helps prevent the calcification of blood vessels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases by regulating proteins like matrix Gla-protein (MGP), which inhibit vascular calcification .

Functions of Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone)

• Activation of Clotting Factors: Both MK-4 and MK-7 play crucial roles in the synthesis of proteins required for blood clotting, such as prothrombin. This function is essential for preventing excessive bleeding.
• Reduction of Inflammation: Some studies suggest that vitamin K2 has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the risk of chronic inflammatory diseases.
• Cellular Growth and Health: MK-4, in particular, is involved in the regulation of cellular growth and apoptosis (programmed cell death), playing a role in cancer prevention and overall cellular health.
• Bone Health
  1. Enhancement of Osteocalcin: Similar to K1, Vitamin K2 plays a crucial role in bone health by aiding the carboxylation of osteocalcin. This form of Vitamin K is particularly effective in supporting bone density and reducing the risk of fractures .
  2. Support for Bone Formation: It also stimulates bone formation by enhancing the function of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for building new bone tissue .
• Prevention of Arterial Calcification: Vitamin K2 is known for its role in reducing arterial stiffness and preventing calcification of arteries, which can help lower the risk of atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular conditions .
• Metabolic and Hormonal Health
  1. Regulation of Glucose Metabolism: Some studies suggest that Vitamin K2 can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by enhancing glucose metabolism .
  2. Hormonal Balance: K2 has also been implicated in the regulation of sex hormones, contributing to reproductive health and overall hormonal balance .​

Both forms of Vitamin K have been shown to support detoxification processes indirectly through their roles in overall health maintenance:

• Support Liver Function: The liver is the primary site for Vitamin K storage and use, particularly in producing clotting factors. By supporting liver function, Vitamin K can help maintain efficient detoxification processes .
• Antioxidant Properties: Vitamin K has antioxidant properties, which can protect cells from oxidative stress and damage, a key component of effective detoxification .

​Overall, both Vitamin K1 and K2 are vital for maintaining various physiological processes, with each form offering unique benefits that contribute to overall health.

Advocates for a more natural approach suggest that proper maternal nutrition during pregnancy can help ensure adequate vitamin K levels in newborns. A diet rich in natural vitamin K from sources such as green leafy vegetables, fermented foods, and animal products is recommended. Colostrum, the first form of breast milk, is also naturally rich in vitamin K and can help boost the newborn's levels.

Natural Sources of Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)
Vitamin K1 is primarily found in green leafy vegetables. Some of the best sources include:

1. Kale
2. Spinach
3. Collard Greens
4. Swiss Chard
5. Turnip Greens
6. Broccoli
7. Brussels Sprouts
8. Cabbage
9. Green Tea
10. Herbs (Cilantro, Parsley)

Natural Sources of Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone)
Vitamin K2 exists in several subtypes, with MK-4 and MK-7 being the most studied and understood. Vitamin K2 is found in certain animal products and fermented foods.
MK-4 (Menaquinone-4)

• Animal Products:
  1. Liver: Beef, pork and chicken liver are rich in MK-4.
  2. Egg Yolks: A significant source of MK-4.
  3. Dairy Products: Full-fat (ideally raw and pasture-raised) dairy products such as butter, cheese, and whole milk.
  4. Fish (Salmon, Mackerel)
  5. Chicken: Particularly the dark meat.

MK-7 (Menaquinone-7)

• Fermented Foods:
  1. Natto: Fermented soybeans are the richest source of MK-7.
  2. Fermented Vegetables: Foods like sauerkraut and kimchi can contain MK-7.
  3. Cheeses: Certain fermented cheeses, such as Gouda, Jarlsberg, and Edam, are good sources of MK-7.
  4. Fermented Dairy Products (Kefir, Yogurt)​

​Incorporating these foods into a diet can help ensure adequate intake of both vitamin K1 and K2, supporting overall health and specific functions such as blood clotting and bone health.

Miller NZ, Goldman GS. Infant mortality rates regressed against number of vaccine doses routinely given: Is there a biochemical or synergistic toxicity? Human & Experimental Toxicology. 2011;30(9):1420-1428. doi:10.1177/0960327111407644

Y. de Vries J, Pundir S, Mckenzie E, Keijer J, Kussmann M. Maternal Circulating Vitamin Status and Colostrum Vitamin Composition in Healthy Lactating Women—A Systematic Approach. Nutrients. 2018; 10(6):687. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10060687

https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=5392​

​Shaw, C. A., & Tomljenovic, L. (2013). Aluminum in the central nervous system (CNS): toxicity in humans and animals, vaccine adjuvants, and autoimmunity. Immunologic Research, 56, 304-316.