Malabsorption of which vitamin can lead to a bleeding disorder?

Malabsorption of vitamin K can lead to a bleeding disorder because vitamin K plays a crucial role in the synthesis of certain clotting factors in the liver. These clotting factors, specifically factors II (prothrombin), VII, IX, and X, are essential for the blood coagulation process. When vitamin K levels are insufficient due to malabsorption, the body cannot produce these clotting factors effectively, which can result in prolonged bleeding, easy bruising, and an increased risk of hemorrhage.

Vitamin K is fat-soluble, meaning its absorption is dependent on the presence of dietary fats and proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Conditions that affect fat absorption, such as celiac disease or pancreatitis, can lead to a deficiency in vitamin K. In contrast, while vitamins A, E, and D all play significant roles in various bodily functions, they are not directly linked to the synthesis of clotting factors in the same way as vitamin K. Thus, their malabsorption would not typically lead to a bleeding disorder.