One of the internet's best-known medical contrarians has flipped on a newborn intervention he long cast doubt on. ProPublica reports that Dr. Joseph Mercola—an osteopathic physician, major vaccine skeptic, fan of fellow skeptic RFK Jr., and influential online figure—has reversed his opposition to the vitamin K shot routinely given to infants at birth to prevent dangerous bleeding. After more than a decade of warning that the injection was needless and risky, promoting unapproved (and not as effective) oral drops instead, Mercola published an April article on his site saying, "The data is clear: Vitamin K saves lives." He now backs the shot for all newborns, urging parents to consult their pediatricians.
The about-face comes as hospitals see more parents declining the shot amid online misinformation, sometimes even citing Mercola's old posts against the injection. ProPublica notes that the underlying science has been stable for decades: Vitamin K prevents potentially fatal brain and gut hemorrhages, and major studies haven't supported claims of cancer or aluminum-related harms. The piece also places the shift by the controversial doctor in a broader ecosystem of anti-vaccine influencers and fraying trust in health authorities. Meanwhile, one Mercola detractor claims the physician contacts a spirit named "Bahlon" for advice, per Mom.com. For the full ProPublica investigation, including how families and policymakers are responding, more here.
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