International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

A deficiency in which vitamin can lead to hemorrhagic disease of the newborn?

1. Vitamin A

2. Vitamin D

3. Vitamin K

4. Vitamin C

The correct answer is: Vitamin K

A deficiency in vitamin K can lead to hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. This condition is primarily characterized by an increased risk of bleeding due to insufficient levels of vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in the synthesis of clotting factors necessary for normal blood coagulation. Newborns are often vitamin K deficient at birth because they have low stores of this vitamin, and breast milk typically holds low levels of vitamin K. In many regions, to prevent this potentially serious condition, newborns are given a vitamin K shot shortly after birth. Without adequate vitamin K, infants can experience uncontrolled bleeding, which may occur within the first few days or weeks of life, highlighting the importance of this vitamin in neonatal health and the necessity of proper supplementation when indicated.