Vitamin Use in Hospitals
While the general public too often over-prescribes vitamins, hospitals may be under-utilizing these vital nutrients.
Doctors in U.S. hospitals order over 3.5 millions vitamin prescriptions yearly. However, a report in the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (13 [3]:262-264,1989) shows that this number should be significantly higher.
The report demonstrated that of 103 patients studied, 83 had at least one indication for vitamin therapy. Of these, only 35 were given either full or partial vitamin supplementation. Of the 68 who were not given any vitamins, 48 had genuine evidence for vitamin therapy. In all cases, standard tests were used to evaluate the need for supplementation.
Vitamin K and Nausea in Pregnancy
It appears that Vitamin K may have benefits for pregnant women. During pregnancy, the placenta sometimes leaks toxic substances through the capillaries (tiny blood vessels) into the blood stream. When this event occurs, Vitamin K, a clotting factor, can be used to correct the problem. This problem also may be the reason why many women experience nausea during pregnancy. For nausea relief, a one to two milligram dosage, three times daily, of fat soluble Chlorophyll (a good source of Vitamin K) is recommended until the nausea subsides.