What is the primary cause of vitamin K deficiency?

What is the primary cause of vitamin K deficiency?

• A. Inadequate sunlight exposure
• B. Poor dietary intake or malabsorption
• C. Excessive exercise
• D. Blood loss

Answer: (B)

Vitamin K deficiency primarily results from poor dietary intake or malabsorption. Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of certain proteins that are required for blood coagulation. It is found in various foods, including leafy green vegetables, fish, meat, and dairy products. When individuals have a diet that lacks these sources, they may not obtain sufficient vitamin K, leading to a deficiency. Additionally, malabsorption syndromes, such as those caused by conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or pancreatic insufficiency, can significantly impair the body’s ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin K. When the intestinal tract is unable to absorb nutrients effectively, the risk of developing a deficiency increases. The other options, while they may impact health, do not directly lead to vitamin K deficiency in the same way poor dietary intake or malabsorption does. For instance, inadequate sunlight exposure relates more to vitamin D synthesis rather than vitamin K. Excessive exercise and blood loss can impact overall health and nutritional status but are not primary causes of vitamin K deficiency. Hence, poor dietary intake or malabsorption stands out as the main contributor to a significant deficiency in this crucial vitamin.

Vitamin K deficiency primarily results from poor dietary intake or malabsorption. Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of certain proteins that are required for blood coagulation. It is found in various foods, including leafy green vegetables, fish, meat, and dairy products. When individuals have a diet that lacks these sources, they may not obtain sufficient vitamin K, leading to a deficiency.

Additionally, malabsorption syndromes, such as those caused by conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or pancreatic insufficiency, can significantly impair the body’s ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin K. When the intestinal tract is unable to absorb nutrients effectively, the risk of developing a deficiency increases.

The other options, while they may impact health, do not directly lead to vitamin K deficiency in the same way poor dietary intake or malabsorption does. For instance, inadequate sunlight exposure relates more to vitamin D synthesis rather than vitamin K. Excessive exercise and blood loss can impact overall health and nutritional status but are not primary causes of vitamin K deficiency. Hence, poor dietary intake or malabsorption stands out as the main contributor to a significant deficiency in this crucial vitamin.