What is the maximum daily dose of vitamin K that should be given to a 9-year-old female for supplementation?

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From the Guidelines

The maximum daily dose of vitamin K supplementation for a nine-year-old female should not exceed 200 micrograms per day, as indicated by the guidelines for pediatric parenteral nutrition 1. When considering vitamin K supplementation, it's crucial to understand that the recommended dose can vary based on the context, such as whether the child is receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) or if they have specific medical conditions.

Key Considerations

  • The guidelines 1 suggest that preterm and term infants up to 12 months of age on PN should receive 10 ug/kg/day, and older children should receive 200 ug/day of vitamin K.
  • For a nine-year-old female, who would be classified as an older child in these guidelines, the recommended dose is 200 ug/day.
  • It's essential to note that these recommendations are based on the assumption that the child is receiving PN and may not directly apply to oral supplementation.
  • However, given the lack of more specific guidelines for oral supplementation in this age group and the importance of not exceeding safe levels, 200 micrograms per day can be considered a maximum safe dose for supplementation, aligning with the principle of caution in pediatric care.

Clinical Application

  • Vitamin K plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone health.
  • Most children can obtain sufficient vitamin K through a balanced diet that includes green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils, and some fruits.
  • Supplementation is usually only necessary for children with specific medical conditions affecting vitamin K absorption or utilization or those on medications that interfere with vitamin K metabolism.
  • If supplementation is necessary, vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is typically the recommended form for children due to its efficacy and safety profile.

Consultation

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen for a child to ensure the supplementation is necessary and to determine the appropriate dose based on the child's specific health needs and circumstances.

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Vitamin K Supplementation for a Nine-Year-Old Female

  • The maximum daily dose of vitamin K that should be given to a nine-year-old female in supplementation is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • However, it is mentioned that newborn babies are given 1 mg of vitamin K intramuscularly as soon as possible after birth to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) 2.
  • For infants, oral administration of 1 mg vitamin K is also effective in preventing classic VKDB, and weekly administration of 1 mg till 12 weeks or repeating 2 mg at weeks 1 and 4 is recommended for exclusively breast-fed infants 2.
  • Daily administration of 25 microg offers insufficient protection for infants 2.
  • There is no specific information provided for the maximum daily dose of vitamin K supplementation for a nine-year-old female.
  • The studies primarily focus on the prevalence of vitamin K deficiency in children with chronic liver disease 3, 5 and the role of vitamin K in cholestatic liver disease 6.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Vitamin K, an update for the paediatrician.

European journal of pediatrics, 2009

Research

Prevalence of vitamin K deficiency in children with mild to moderate chronic liver disease.

Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, 2006

Research

Acquired coagulation disorders.

Clinics in haematology, 1985

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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