Question

A young patient started to take a weight loss medication that acts by inhibiting fat absorption from food. After a few weeks, she developed easy bruising and increased menstrual bleeding. Deficiency of which of the following vitamins is responsible for her condition?

• A. Vitamin E
• B. Vitamin K
• C. Vitamin B6
• D. Vitamin D

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To understand the cause of easy bruising and increased menstrual bleeding after taking a weight loss medication that inhibits fat absorption, we need to consider the role of fat-soluble vitamins. These vitamins are absorbed along with fats in the diet, and any interference with fat absorption can lead to deficiencies.

The fat-soluble vitamins are:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K

Let's examine the potential impact of a deficiency in each of these vitamins:

• Vitamin A: Deficiency typically affects vision and skin health, not bruising or bleeding.
• Vitamin D: Deficiency usually results in bone-related issues, such as rickets or osteomalacia.
• Vitamin E: Deficiency is rare and is often linked with neurological problems and red blood cell hemolysis, not typically increased bleeding.
• Vitamin K: Essential for the synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X in the liver; its deficiency can lead to bleeding tendencies and easy bruising due to impaired blood coagulation.

Based on the symptoms (easy bruising and increased menstrual bleeding), a deficiency in Vitamin K is the most likely cause. This vitamin is crucial for blood clotting, and its deficiency leads to an increased risk of bleeding.

Therefore, when fat absorption is inhibited, it results in a decreased absorption of Vitamin K, leading to increased bruising and bleeding tendencies.

Conclusion: The deficiency of Vitamin K is responsible for the patient's symptoms.