Vitamin K deficiency at birth is a risk factor for the Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn or Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). This pro-hemorrhagic condition can produce severe bleeding mainly in the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, and the brain. It can be prevented with the administration of vitamin K in the first hours of life.

Term newborns have a vitamin K level 50% lower than adults.

Iodine is an essential element for the production of thyroid hormone, so that it plays a fundamental role in the growth and development of children. Severe deficiency in pregnancy causes cretinism and irreversible cerebral harm in the child. The benefit of iodine supplementation during pregnancy in areas with severe deficiency of iodine is well stablished.