Which vitamin deficiency causes the bleeding disorder and defective blood coagulation known historically as hemorrhagic disease?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for the hepatic synthesis of prothrombin and other clotting factors required for normal blood coagulation, meaning its deficiency results in prolonged bleeding times. Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy, vitamin A causes night blindness, and vitamin B12 causes pernicious anemia. Green leafy vegetables are rich dietary sources of vitamin K.