International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

A deficiency of which vitamin can lead to hemolytic anemia, especially in premature infants?

1. Vitamin A

2. Vitamin E

3. Vitamin K

4. Vitamin C

The correct answer is: Vitamin E

A deficiency of vitamin E can lead to hemolytic anemia, particularly in premature infants. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that plays a crucial role in protecting red blood cells from oxidative stress. Premature infants have lower stores of vitamin E and are more susceptible to oxidative damage, which can result in the destruction of red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. In contrast, while vitamin A is essential for vision and immune function, its deficiency primarily leads to visual disturbances and immune deficiencies but not typically to hemolytic anemia. Vitamin K is vital for the synthesis of clotting factors and can lead to bleeding disorders if deficient, but it does not cause hemolytic anemia. Vitamin C is important for collagen synthesis and immune function and its deficiency leads to scurvy but is not associated with hemolytic anemia either. Therefore, the relationship between vitamin E deficiency and hemolytic anemia, especially in the vulnerable population of premature infants, underscores its significance in neonatal nutrition and health.