Tag: Kernicterus

While natural forms of vitamin K (K1 and K2) from food and supplements have a very low potential for toxicity, a dangerous synthetic version (K3) is no longer used for humans. Separating the different types is key to understanding the potential risks and protecting brain health.

Synthetic vitamin K3 (menadione) has been banned for over-the-counter sales in the United States due to its high toxicity. In infants, a serious condition associated with vitamin K toxicity is hemolytic anemia, a dangerous breakdown of red blood cells.