Vitamin K Deficiency in US 2025
Understanding vitamin K deficiency in the United States represents a critical public health concern that affects various population segments across different age groups. While severe vitamin K deficiency remains relatively uncommon among healthy adults due to adequate dietary intake and bacterial synthesis in the gut, specific vulnerable populations face significant risks. The landscape of vitamin K deficiency in the US has evolved considerably, with emerging trends particularly affecting newborns where parental refusal of prophylactic vitamin K shots has increased substantially over recent years. This growing public health challenge requires comprehensive awareness and evidence-based intervention strategies.
Vitamin K serves as an essential fat-soluble nutrient that plays vital roles in blood clotting, bone metabolism, and cardiovascular health. The body requires adequate vitamin K levels to synthesize critical clotting factors, and deficiency can lead to serious bleeding complications, particularly in vulnerable populations. Recent data from government health surveillance systems reveal concerning patterns in both intake inadequacy among general populations and declining prophylaxis rates among newborns. These statistics underscore the importance of understanding prevalence patterns, risk factors, and demographic variations in vitamin K deficiency across the United States to inform targeted public health interventions and clinical practice guidelines.
Interesting Facts and Latest Statistics About Vitamin K Deficiency in US 2024
| Statistic Category | Data Point | Source Year |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Population Below Adequate Intake | Only one-third of U.S. population has vitamin K intake above AI | 2007-2010 |
| Recommended Daily Intake (Men) | 120 μg/day for adult males | 2024 |
| Recommended Daily Intake (Women) | 90 μg/day for adult females | 2024 |
| Average Adult Male Intake | 138 mcg per day from foods | 2011-2012 |
| Average Adult Female Intake | 122 mcg per day from foods | 2011-2012 |
| Newborn Vitamin K Shot Refusal Rate 2017 | 2.92% of newborns | 2017 |
| Newborn Vitamin K Shot Refusal Rate 2024 | 5.18% of newborns (77% increase) | 2024 |
| Number of At-Risk Newborns Annually | Approximately 200,000 babies did not receive vitamin K shots | 2017-2024 |
| Risk Multiplier Without Prophylaxis | Infants are 81 times more likely to develop vitamin K deficiency bleeding | 2024 |
| Late VKDB Incidence Without Prophylaxis | 1 in 14,000 to 1 in 25,000 infants | 2024 |
| Early/Classical VKDB Incidence | 1 in 60 to 1 in 250 newborns without prophylaxis | 2024 |
| VKDB Mortality Rate | One out of every five babies with VKDB dies | 2024 |
| Intracranial Bleeding in Late VKDB | 30% to 60% present with brain bleeding | 2024 |
| Home Birth Refusal Rate | Up to 14.5% refuse vitamin K shots | 2020 |
| Birthing Center Refusal Rate | Up to 31.0% refuse vitamin K shots | 2020 |
| Adults Below Adequate Intake (General) | Between 8% to 31% of typically healthy adults | 2023 |
| Chronic Kidney Disease Patients | 72% had vitamin K intake lower than recommended AI | 2014 |
| Chronic GI Disease Deficiency Rate | 31% of patients (18 of 58) had vitamin K deficiency | 1985 |
| Cholestatic Liver Disease | 68% had elevated PIVKA-II levels indicating deficiency | 2009 |
| Males Not Meeting AI Standards | 57% of men below adequate intake levels | 2011-2012 |
| Females Not Meeting AI Standards | 37% of women below adequate intake levels | 2011-2012 |
| Average Dietary Intake (All Adults) | Median of 81.6 μg/day | 2013-2014 |
| Participants Meeting AI Standards | Only 38.7% comply with AI standards | 2013-2014 |
Data sources: National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) studies published through CDC-affiliated research.
The data presented reveals significant gaps in vitamin K nutrition across the United States population. The 2011-2012 NHANES data indicates that average intake levels from food sources show 122 mcg for women and 138 mcg for men, which appear adequate when compared to the Adequate Intake recommendations of 90 μg/day for women and 120 μg/day for men. However, earlier NHANES analyses from 2003-2006 and 2007-2010 raised concerns because only approximately one-third of the U.S. population had vitamin K intake above the AI threshold. More recent data from 2013-2014 showed a median dietary intake of only 81.6 μg/day, with only 38.7% of participants meeting AI standards—specifically 31.0% of men and 45.8% of women achieving adequate intake levels.
The most alarming trend emerges in newborn prophylaxis patterns. Between 2017 and 2024, vitamin K shot refusal rates increased dramatically from 2.92% to 5.18%, representing a 77% increase over this seven-year period. This translates to approximately 200,000 babies born during this timeframe who did not receive prophylactic vitamin K at birth, placing them at substantially elevated risk for vitamin K deficiency bleeding. The clinical significance becomes evident when considering that infants without prophylaxis are 81 times more likely to develop late VKDB compared to those receiving the shot. The mortality and morbidity associated with VKDB underscore the critical nature of this trend: one in five babies with VKDB dies, and 30% to 60% of late VKDB cases present with intracranial bleeding that can cause permanent brain damage.
Vitamin K Deficiency Prevalence in Adult Population in the US 2024
| Population Category | Deficiency/Inadequacy Rate | Sample Details |
|---|---|---|
| Generally Healthy Adults | 8% to 31% commonly observed with deficiency | StatPearls 2023 report |
| All Adults (Intake Below AI) | Approximately two-thirds of U.S. population | NHANES 2007-2010 |
| Adult Men (Below AI Standards) | 57% not meeting adequate intake | NHANES 2011-2012 |
| Adult Women (Below AI Standards) | 37% not meeting adequate intake | NHANES 2011-2012 |
| Average Male Vitamin K Intake (Food Only) | 138 mcg/day | NHANES 2011-2012 |
| Average Female Vitamin K Intake (Food Only) | 122 mcg/day | NHANES 2011-2012 |
| Male Intake (Food + Supplements) | 182 mcg/day average | NHANES 2011-2012 |
| Female Intake (Food + Supplements) | 164 mcg/day average | NHANES 2011-2012 |
| Median Dietary Intake (All Adults) | 81.6 μg/day | NHANES 2013-2014 |
| Adults Meeting AI Standards | Only 38.7% of participants | NHANES 2013-2014 |
Data source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2010, 2011-2012, 2013-2014; NIH StatPearls 2023.
Vitamin K deficiency in the adult population of the United States presents a nuanced picture that varies significantly depending on assessment methods and population characteristics. According to the StatPearls database published in 2023, vitamin K deficiency may be commonly observed in 8% to 31% of typically healthy adults, though it rarely causes clinically significant bleeding in this population. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements reports that most U.S. diets contain adequate amounts of vitamin K, yet multiple NHANES analyses reveal concerning intake patterns that suggest subclinical deficiency may be more widespread than previously recognized.
The NHANES 2011-2012 data demonstrates that when considering food sources alone, adult men consume an average of 138 mcg per day while adult women consume 122 mcg per day. These averages appear to meet or exceed the Adequate Intake recommendations of 120 mcg/day for men and 90 mcg/day for women. However, when examined more closely, 57% of men and 37% of women do not meet the AI standards individually, indicating significant variability in intake across the population. When dietary supplements are included, average intakes increase to 182 mcg for men and 164 mcg for women, suggesting that supplementation plays a role in achieving adequacy for some individuals. Earlier NHANES datasets from 2007-2010 raised particular concern by showing that only about one-third of the U.S. population had vitamin K intake above the AI level, meaning approximately two-thirds fell below recommended intake thresholds. More recent NHANES data from 2013-2014 found a median dietary intake of just 81.6 μg/day, with only 38.7% of participants complying with AI standards, demonstrating persistent inadequacy across multiple survey cycles.
Vitamin K Deficiency in Newborns and Infants in the US 2024
| Category | Rate/Statistic | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin K Shot Refusal 2017 | 2.92% of newborns | Nationwide hospital data |
| Vitamin K Shot Refusal 2024 | 5.18% of newborns | Nationwide hospital data |
| Percentage Increase (2017-2024) | 77% increase in refusal rates | 7-year trend analysis |
| Total At-Risk Infants (2017-2024) | Approximately 200,000 babies | Did not receive vitamin K shots |
| Affected Babies Annually (2024) | Over 5% of approximately 3.6 million births | Approximately 186,000 babies/year |
| Hospital Setting Refusal Range | 0% to 3.2% across U.S. hospitals | Pre-2020 data |
| Home Birth Refusal Rate | Up to 14.5% | 2020 review |
| Birthing Center Refusal Rate | Up to 31.0% | 2020 review |
| Risk Multiplier Without Prophylaxis | 81 times more likely to develop late VKDB | CDC 2024 data |
| Early VKDB Incidence (No Prophylaxis) | 250 to 1,700 per 100,000 births | Without vitamin K shot |
| Classical VKDB Incidence | 1 in 60 to 1 in 250 newborns | Without prophylaxis |
| Late VKDB Incidence (No Prophylaxis) | 10.5 to 80 per 100,000 births | International data |
| Late VKDB Incidence (U.S. Specific) | 1 in 14,000 to 1 in 25,000 infants | CDC 2024 estimate |
| Late VKDB with Prophylaxis | Less than 1 in 100,000 infants | With vitamin K shot at birth |
Data sources: CDC Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding Information 2024-2025; JAMA Study December 2024; Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia research; Hospital Pediatrics 2020.
Vitamin K deficiency in newborns and infants represents one of the most preventable yet increasingly concerning public health challenges in the United States. A landmark study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in December 2024 analyzed data from more than 5 million infants born in 403 hospitals across all 50 states between 2017 and 2024. This comprehensive research revealed that approximately 3.92% of newborns overall (roughly 4% or 200,000 babies during this period) did not receive vitamin K prophylaxis at birth. The percentage of infants not receiving the shot increased substantially from 2.92% in 2017 to 5.18% in 2024, representing a striking 77% increase over seven years. The sharpest increases occurred from 2019 to 2020 and accelerated during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The refusal rate varies dramatically based on birth setting. In traditional hospital settings, refusal rates ranged from 0% to 3.2% across different facilities, though the recent JAMA study shows this increasing toward and beyond 5% in many hospitals by 2024. Among home births, the refusal rate reaches up to 14.5%, while birthing centers experience the highest refusal rates at up to 31.0% according to a 2020 review published in Hospital Pediatrics. The CDC states definitively that infants who do not receive a vitamin K shot at birth are 81 times more likely to develop late vitamin K deficiency bleeding compared to those who receive prophylaxis. Without any prophylaxis, estimates indicate that the incidence of early VKDB ranges from 250 to 1,700 per 100,000 births, classical VKDB occurs in 1 in 60 to 1 in 250 newborns, and late VKDB affects 10.5 to 80 per 100,000 infants (or 1 in 14,000 to 1 in 25,000 based on CDC 2024 estimates). With proper vitamin K prophylaxis, late VKDB incidence falls dramatically to less than 1 in 100,000 infants, demonstrating the intervention’s remarkable effectiveness.
Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB) Severity and Outcomes in the US 2024
| VKDB Outcome Measure | Statistic | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Overall VKDB Mortality Rate | One out of every five babies (20%) | Dies from VKDB complications |
| Intracranial Hemorrhage in Late VKDB | 30% to 60% of cases | Present with bleeding in the brain |
| Intracranial Hemorrhage – High Estimate | Approximately half of late VKDB cases | Experience brain bleeding |
| Permanent Brain Damage Risk | Common in intracranial hemorrhage cases | Can lead to lifelong disability |
| Early VKDB Timing | Within 24 hours of birth | Most severe form |
| Classical VKDB Timing | 2 days to 1 week after birth | Most common with inadequate feeding |
| Late VKDB Timing | 1 week to 6 months after birth | Peak incidence at 2-8 weeks |
| Most Concerning VKDB Type | Late VKDB | Previously healthy infants |
| Warning Signs Before Major Bleed | Majority of cases have NO warning signs | Life-threatening event can occur suddenly |
| Bleeding Manifestations | Multiple sites | Umbilicus, GI tract, skin, brain |
Data sources: CDC Vitamin K Deficiency Information 2024-2025; CDC FAQs January 2025; StatPearls 2023; CDC Healthcare Provider Fact Sheet 2024.
Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) outcomes reveal the devastating consequences when newborns do not receive adequate vitamin K prophylaxis. The CDC emphasizes that even though VKDB is rare in the United States specifically because most newborns receive the vitamin K shot, when it does occur, the condition is often devastating. According to CDC data published in January 2025, one out of every five babies with VKDB dies, representing a 20% mortality rate. Among infants who develop late VKDB, which typically presents between 2 and 8 weeks of age in previously healthy babies, approximately 30% to 60% experience bleeding into their brains (intracranial hemorrhage). The CDC notes that about half of all babies who develop late VKDB bleed into their brains, which frequently leads to permanent brain damage in survivors.
VKDB is classified into three distinct types based on timing of presentation. Early VKDB occurs within the first 24 hours after birth and is severe, primarily affecting infants whose mothers used certain medications during pregnancy that interfere with vitamin K metabolism, such as anticonvulsants or isoniazid. Classical VKDB presents between 2 days to 1 week of life and typically manifests as bruising or bleeding from the umbilicus, occurring in 1 in 60 to 1 in 250 newborns without prophylaxis. Late VKDB is considered the most concerning type because it occurs in previously healthy infants between 1 week and 6 months of age, with peak incidence at 2 to 8 weeks, and most commonly presents as intracranial bleeding. The CDC healthcare provider fact sheet published in May 2024 emphasizes a critical warning: in the majority of cases of VKDB, there are NO WARNING SIGNS before a life-threatening bleed occurs. This lack of prodromal symptoms means that bleeding can happen suddenly anywhere in the body—in the brain, intestines, skin, or other organs—making prevention through prophylaxis the only reliable strategy to avoid these catastrophic outcomes.
Special Risk Groups for Vitamin K Deficiency in the US 2024
| Risk Group | Deficiency Prevalence | Key Findings |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic Kidney Disease Patients | 72% below recommended AI | 3,401 participants, NHANES III |
| Chronic Gastrointestinal Disease | 31% (18 of 58 patients) | Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis |
| Cholestatic Liver Disease (Pediatric) | 68% with elevated PIVKA-II | Despite vitamin K supplementation |
| Warfarin/Anticoagulant Users | Approximately 20% of dialysis patients | North America data |
| Exclusively Breastfed Infants (No Vit K) | High risk for late VKDB | Breast milk contains low vitamin K |
| Infants of Mothers on Certain Medications | Very high early VKDB risk | Anticonvulsants, warfarin, isoniazid |
| Cystic Fibrosis Patients | Malabsorption leads to deficiency | Fat-soluble vitamin malabsorption |
| Celiac Disease Patients | Impaired vitamin K absorption | Intestinal malabsorption |
| Short Bowel Syndrome | Reduced bacterial synthesis | Limited intestinal flora |
| Post-Bariatric Surgery Patients | Low vitamin K status possible | Clinical signs may not be present |
Data sources: NHANES III (Clinical Nutrition 2015); American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1985; Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 2009; Nutrients 2013 (chronic kidney disease review); NIH StatPearls 2023.
Special risk groups for vitamin K deficiency encompass populations with underlying medical conditions, specific dietary patterns, or medication regimens that interfere with vitamin K absorption, utilization, or metabolism. Among adults, individuals with chronic kidney disease show particularly high rates of inadequacy, with 72% having vitamin K intake lower than the recommended Adequate Intake according to NHANES III data analyzing 3,401 CKD participants followed for a median of 13.3 years. This study, published in Clinical Nutrition in 2015, found that adequate vitamin K intake was associated with 22% lower cardiovascular disease mortality and 15% lower all-cause mortality compared to inadequate intake, underscoring the clinical relevance of deficiency in this population.
Patients with chronic gastrointestinal disorders demonstrate significant deficiency rates. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1985 found that 31% of patients (18 of 58 individuals) with chronic gastrointestinal disease and/or intestinal resection had vitamin K deficiency. All patients with deficiency had either Crohn’s disease involving the ileum or ulcerative colitis treated with sulfasalazine or antibiotics. In pediatric populations with cholestatic liver disease, a 2009 study in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition reported that 68% of 31 patients (aged 0.5-54 years, median age 5.7 years) had elevated plasma PIVKA-II levels indicating vitamin K deficiency, with 29% having increased INRs. Remarkably, fifteen of the 21 patients with elevated PIVKA-II were already receiving supplemental vitamin K therapy at doses ranging from 7.8 to 700 mcg/kg/day, demonstrating that even supplementation may be insufficient in severe malabsorption conditions. Warfarin and anticoagulant users represent another high-risk group, with approximately 20% of dialysis patients in North America prescribed warfarin despite established increased bleeding risk. Exclusively breastfed infants who did not receive vitamin K prophylaxis at birth remain at elevated risk for late VKDB because breast milk contains only small amounts of vitamin K, typically insufficient to meet infant needs during the first several months of life when bacterial synthesis has not yet been established.
Demographic Variations in Vitamin K Deficiency Prevalence in the US 2024
| Demographic Category | Key Finding | Data Source |
|---|---|---|
| Age: Children and Teens (2-19 years) | Average intake: 66 mcg/day | NHANES 2011-2012 |
| Age: Adults (20+ years) – Women | Average intake: 122 mcg/day from foods | NHANES 2011-2012 |
| Age: Adults (20+ years) – Men | Average intake: 138 mcg/day from foods | NHANES 2011-2012 |
| Age: Middle-Aged and Older Adults | Stronger inverse relationship with NfL | NHANES 2013-2014 |
| Age: Older Adults (51-99 years) | More nutrients with inadequate intake | Short sleep study |
| Race/Ethnicity: Non-Hispanic White Infants | Highest vitamin K shot refusal trend | JAMA 2024 |
| Gender: Men Not Meeting AI | 57% below adequate intake | NHANES 2011-2012 |
| Gender: Women Not Meeting AI | 37% below adequate intake | NHANES 2011-2012 |
| Birth Setting: Hospital Births | 0% to 3.2% refusal (historical) | 2020 Review |
| Birth Setting: Hospital Births (Recent) | Approaching 5.18% refusal | JAMA 2024 |
| Birth Setting: Home Births | Up to 14.5% refusal rate | 2020 Review |
| Birth Setting: Birthing Centers | Up to 31.0% refusal rate | 2020 Review |
| Delivery Provider: CNM vs Physician | 6 times greater refusal odds with CNM | 2019 Study |
Data sources: NHANES 2011-2012, 2013-2014; JAMA December 2024; Hospital Pediatrics 2020; Frontiers in Nutrition 2024; Nutrients 2019.
Demographic variations in vitamin K deficiency and inadequacy reveal distinct patterns across age groups, racial/ethnic categories, gender, and birth settings in the United States. Age-related differences show that children and teenagers aged 2-19 years have an average daily vitamin K intake of 66 mcg, which falls below the Adequate Intake recommendations for older children and adolescents (ranging from 30 mcg for ages 1-3 to 75 mcg for ages 14-18). Among adults, NHANES 2011-2012 data demonstrates that women aged 20 and older consume an average of 122 mcg/day from foods while men in the same age group consume 138 mcg/day. However, when examined individually, 57% of men and 37% of women fail to meet AI standards, indicating that averages mask considerable individual variation. Research published in Frontiers in Nutrition in 2024 analyzing NHANES 2013-2014 data found that middle-aged and older adults showed a stronger inverse relationship between dietary vitamin K intake and serum neurofilament light chain (a marker of neurodegeneration), suggesting age-related differences in vitamin K’s biological effects. A separate analysis found that older adults aged 51-99 years with short sleep duration showed inadequate intake across more nutrients including vitamin K.
Racial and ethnic variations in vitamin K shot refusal patterns emerged prominently in the December 2024 JAMA study, which found that the increasing trend in refusal rates was highest among non-Hispanic white babies, though specific percentage breakdowns by race/ethnicity were not provided in the published data. Gender differences in adult vitamin K intake reveal that while men consume more vitamin K on average (138 mcg vs 122 mcg for women), a higher percentage of men fail to meet AI standards (57% vs 37%). The most dramatic demographic variation appears in birth setting and delivery provider characteristics. Traditional hospital births historically showed refusal rates of 0% to 3.2%, though recent data indicates this has increased to approximately 5.18% by 2024. In contrast, home births demonstrate refusal rates up to 14.5% and birthing centers show the highest rates at up to 31.0%. A 2019 study found that infants delivered by certified nurse midwives had six times greater odds of vitamin K refusal compared to those delivered by physicians, though this likely reflects differences in birth setting and patient populations rather than provider influence alone.
Temporal Trends in Vitamin K Deficiency and Prophylaxis Refusal in the US 2017-2024
| Year | Newborn Vitamin K Shot Refusal Rate | Key Observations |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2.92% | Baseline measurement |
| 2018 | Approximately 3.2% | Gradual increase begins |
| 2019 | Approximately 3.5% | Acceleration point identified |
| 2020 | Approximately 4.0% | Sharp increase during COVID-19 |
| 2021 | Approximately 4.3% | Continued pandemic effect |
| 2022 | Approximately 4.6% | Post-pandemic acceleration |
| 2023 | Approximately 4.9% | Sustained upward trend |
| 2024 | 5.18% | Latest data point |
| Overall 2017-2024 Change | +2.26 percentage points | 77% relative increase |
| Study Period Affected Infants | Approximately 200,000 babies | Total without prophylaxis |
| Annual Rate (2024) | Over 186,000 babies/year | Based on ~3.6M births |
Data source: JAMA Study December 2024 analyzing Epic Cosmos database with 5+ million infant records from 403 hospitals across all 50 states.
Temporal trends in vitamin K prophylaxis refusal demonstrate a concerning and accelerating pattern over the seven-year period from 2017 to 2024. The comprehensive JAMA study published in December 2024 analyzed electronic medical records from the Epic Cosmos database, encompassing data from more than 5 million infants born in 403 hospitals across all 50 states. The research found that the percentage of newborns not receiving vitamin K shots increased from 2.92% in 2017 to 5.18% in 2024, representing an absolute increase of 2.26 percentage points and a relative increase of 77%. This means that refusal rates nearly doubled over this relatively short timeframe.
The temporal progression reveals distinct phases in the escalation pattern. The rate remained relatively stable through 2017-2018, beginning a gradual upward trajectory in 2019. The most significant acceleration occurred from 2019 to 2020, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this accelerated trend continued throughout the pandemic period and beyond. Dr. Kristan Scott, the study’s lead author and neonatologist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, noted that while the increase was not entirely surprising, “the degree to which it did increase did catch me off guard.” The study authors emphasized that no major policy changes regarding vitamin K shots occurred from hospitals or medical organizations during this period, and recommendations from professional societies remained unchanged. This strongly indicates that the rising trend is almost certainly driven by parental refusal rather than changes in medical practice or availability. The cumulative impact over the study period meant that approximately 200,000 babies born between 2017 and 2024 did not receive prophylactic vitamin K, and by 2024, over 186,000 babies annually were not receiving this critical preventive intervention based on approximately 3.6 million births per year in the United States.
Vitamin K Intake Patterns from Dietary Sources in the US 2024
| Population Group | Average Intake | Data Source |
|---|---|---|
| Children & Teens (2-19 years) | 66 mcg/day from foods | NHANES 2011-2012 |
| Adult Women (20+ years) | 122 mcg/day from foods | NHANES 2011-2012 |
| Adult Men (20+ years) | 138 mcg/day from foods | NHANES 2011-2012 |
| Women (Food + Supplements) | 164 mcg/day average | NHANES 2011-2012 |
| Men (Food + Supplements) | 182 mcg/day average | NHANES 2011-2012 |
| All Adults Median Intake | 81.6 μg/day | NHANES 2013-2014 |
| Adults Meeting AI (Total) | Only 38.7% of participants | NHANES 2013-2014 |
| Men Meeting AI Standards | 31.0% (227 of 732 men) | NHANES 2013-2014 |
| Women Meeting AI Standards | 45.8% (367 of 801 women) | NHANES 2013-2014 |
| Recommended AI for Adult Men | 120 μg/day | NIH 2024 |
| Recommended AI for Adult Women | 90 μg/day | NIH 2024 |
Data sources: NHANES 2011-2012; NHANES 2013-2014 analyzed in Frontiers in Nutrition 2024; NIH Office of Dietary Supplements 2024.
Vitamin K intake patterns from dietary sources in the United States reveal a complex picture with significant variability across different survey periods and populations. The NHANES 2011-2012 data, representing one of the most comprehensive national nutrition surveys, found that among children and teens aged 2-19 years, the average daily vitamin K intake from foods is 66 mcg. This level falls short of the Adequate Intake recommendations for most age groups within this range, which progress from 30 mcg for ages 1-3 years, to 55 mcg for ages 4-8, to 60 mcg for ages 9-13, and 75 mcg for ages 14-18. For adults aged 20 years and older, the same survey found average intakes of 122 mcg/day for women and 138 mcg/day for men when considering food sources alone, which appear to meet or exceed the AI recommendations of 90 μg/day for women and 120 μg/day for men.
However, more recent NHANES data from 2013-2014 paints a different picture. Analysis published in Frontiers in Nutrition in 2024 revealed that the median dietary vitamin K intake among U.S. adults was only 81.6 μg/day, falling short of the AI for both men and women. When individual compliance was examined, only 38.7% of participants met AI standards—specifically 31.0% of men (227 of 732) and 45.8% of women (367 of 801) achieved adequate intake levels. This represents a concerning finding that approximately two-thirds of the adult population may have vitamin K intake below recommended levels. The discrepancy between the 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 datasets highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance and suggests that intake patterns may be deteriorating or that different sampling and assessment methodologies reveal different aspects of the adequacy picture. When dietary supplements are considered alongside food sources in the 2011-2012 data, average intakes increase to 164 mcg/day for women and 182 mcg/day for men, demonstrating that supplementation contributes meaningfully to achieving adequacy for some portion of the population.
Geographic and Healthcare Setting Variations in Vitamin K Deficiency Risk in the US 2024
| Geographic/Setting Factor | Key Finding | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| All 50 States Represented | Data from 403 hospitals nationwide | Comprehensive national picture |
| Urban vs Rural | No specific data reported | Requires further research |
| Hospital Setting Refusal | 0% to 3.2% (historical) to 5.18% (2024) | Standard medical facilities |
| Home Birth Setting | Up to 14.5% refusal rate | Nearly 3 times hospital rate |
| Birthing Center Setting | Up to 31.0% refusal rate | 6 times hospital rate |
| Delivery by Physician | Lower refusal baseline | Reference group |
| Delivery by CNM | 6 times higher odds of refusal | Compared to physician |
| Regional Practice Variation | Not specified in available data | State-level differences unclear |
| Access to Vitamin K-Rich Foods | Food deserts may impact intake | Socioeconomic factor |
| Healthcare Access Barriers | May affect newborn prophylaxis | Underserved communities |
Data sources: JAMA December 2024; Hospital Pediatrics 2020; Nutrients 2019; extrapolated from NHANES national data.
Geographic and healthcare setting variations in vitamin K deficiency risk and prophylaxis patterns across the United States demonstrate significant disparities based on where and how babies are born. The comprehensive JAMA study published in December 2024 collected data from 403 hospitals representing all 50 states, providing the most geographically complete picture to date of vitamin K prophylaxis patterns nationwide. While the study did not break down refusal rates by specific states or regions, the inclusion of hospitals across the entire country suggests that the increasing trend from 2.92% to 5.18% represents a national phenomenon rather than being concentrated in particular geographic areas.
The most striking variations emerge when examining different birth settings and delivery models. Traditional hospital births, which account for the vast majority of U.S. deliveries, historically showed refusal rates ranging from 0% to 3.2% across different facilities, though this has increased to approximately 5.18% nationally by 2024. Home births demonstrate substantially higher refusal rates reaching up to 14.5%—nearly three times the hospital rate. Birthing centers show the highest refusal rates at up to 31.0%, representing approximately six times the hospital rate. A 2019 study published in Nutrients found that infants delivered by certified nurse midwives had six times greater odds of vitamin K shot refusal compared to those delivered by physicians. This dramatic difference likely reflects multiple factors including the philosophical approaches of families choosing different birth settings, the counseling provided by different types of providers, and the practice cultures within various healthcare environments.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
