A premature infant develops hemolytic anemia with acanthocytes on peripheral smear. The anemia responds to supplementation with a fat-soluble vitamin that protects membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids from peroxidation. Which vitamin was deficient?
- A Vitamin E ✓
- B Vitamin D
- C Vitamin A
- D Vitamin K
Correct answer: A. Vitamin E
Explanation
Alpha-tocopherol is the major lipid-soluble chain-breaking antioxidant in cell membranes, quenching free radicals generated during oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Premature infants have low body stores of vitamin E and are prone to hemolytic anemia with acanthocytosis. Vitamin K deficiency causes bleeding, not hemolysis, and vitamin C acts in vision and epithelial differentiation rather than membrane antioxidant defense.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.