Newborn infants receive a single injection of vitamin K at birth because
A) newborns do not have enough bacteria in their small intestine to make vitamin K.
B) breast milk is a poor source of vitamin K.
C) the trauma of labor and delivery depletes the newborn's vitamin K stores.
D) newborns cannot absorb any of the vitamin K from breast milk or formula.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Newborns lack sufficient gut bacteria to synthesize vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting, so they receive a vitamin K injection to prevent bleeding disorders.

Newborn Infants Receive a Single Injection of Vitamin K at Birth