Answer the question on basis of passage given below:

Vitamins represent a group of organic compounds which are needed in small amount for the healthy growth and maintenance of our body. These are not synthesized by the body and are supplied in the diet. The deficiency of vitamins can be supplemented with medicines.

The deficiency disease associated with Vitamin K is:

Increased blood clotting time

The correct answer is option 4. Increased blood clotting time.

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in blood clotting, also known as coagulation. It is essential for the synthesis of several proteins involved in the coagulation cascade, particularly prothrombin and factors VII, IX, and X. These proteins are responsible for forming blood clots to stop bleeding when there is an injury or damage to blood vessels.

When there is a deficiency of vitamin K, the synthesis of these coagulation proteins is impaired, leading to decreased clotting ability. As a result, the blood takes longer to clot, and individuals with a vitamin K deficiency may experience increased bleeding or bruising, as well as prolonged bleeding after injuries or surgeries. In severe cases, this deficiency can lead to hemorrhage, which can be life-threatening.

The deficiency disease associated with vitamin K deficiency is characterized by an increased blood clotting time. This condition is often referred to as hypoprothrombinemia, meaning reduced levels of prothrombin, one of the key proteins involved in blood clotting. Therefore, the correct option is (4) Increased blood clotting time.

To prevent vitamin K deficiency and associated bleeding disorders, it's important to consume an adequate amount of vitamin K-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli), vegetable oils, fruits (such as kiwi and avocado), and some animal products (such as eggs and liver). Additionally, infants are typically given a vitamin K injection shortly after birth to prevent a rare but serious bleeding disorder called vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB).