American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

Which of the following conditions indicates Vitamin D deficiency?

1. Osteoporosis

2. Hemolytic anemia

3. Night blindness

4. Corneal degeneration

The correct answer is: Osteoporosis

Vitamin D deficiency is closely linked to osteoporosis, which is characterized by a reduction in bone density and an increase in the risk of fractures. Vitamin D plays a critical role in calcium absorption in the gut, and sufficient levels are necessary for maintaining healthy bones. When there is a deficiency of Vitamin D, the body struggles to maintain adequate calcium levels, leading to bone demineralization and the development of osteoporosis. While the other conditions listed may be influenced by various nutritional deficiencies or other factors, they are not directly associated with Vitamin D deficiency. Hemolytic anemia can be caused by numerous factors unrelated to Vitamin D, such as genetic conditions or exposures to certain toxins. Night blindness is more commonly associated with Vitamin A deficiency, while corneal degeneration is generally linked to deficiencies in Vitamin A and not specifically Vitamin D. Therefore, osteoporosis stands out as a key indicator of Vitamin D deficiency due to the vitamin's essential role in bone health.