Fat-soluble vitamins share a similar absorption. A problem in diet or fat absorption can result in deficiency in one or more these vitamins.
Fat-soluble vitamins:
(1) vitamin A
(2) vitamin D
(3) vitamin E
(4) vitamin K
Deficiency in multiple fat-soluble vitamins occurs most often due to malabsorption or diet.
Fat malabsorption:
(1) pancreatic insufficiency (chronic pancreatitis, resection, cystic fibrosis, etc)
(2) biliary disease
(3) intestinal disorders (short bowel syndrome, ascaris, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic diarrhea, etc)
Diet:
(1) starvation
(2) unbalanced diet
(3) nutritional support without adequate vitamin supplementation
