Jaundice can be caused by which of the following?

• A. Vitamin deficiency
• B. Anemia due to iron deficiency
• C. Dehydration
• D. Too much destruction of RBC, hepatitis, cirrhosis, obstruction of bile flow

Answer: (D)

Jaundice shows up when bilirubin builds up in the blood because the body can’t process or excrete it properly. Bilirubin comes from the breakdown of red blood cells and from how the liver handles conjugation and drainage of bile. When there’s too much red blood cell destruction, the liver can be overwhelmed by bilirubin that’s unconjugated. Liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis impair the liver’s ability to conjugate and excrete bilirubin, leading to higher levels. Blockage of bile flow prevents bilirubin from leaving the liver and being excreted, causing a buildup as well. The combination of these pathways—hemolysis, liver dysfunction, and bile duct obstruction—best accounts for jaundice, which is why this option is correct.

Vitamin deficiency doesn’t typically cause jaundice by itself. Iron-deficiency anemia causes fatigue and pallor rather than jaundice, and dehydration doesn’t create the bilirubin buildup that leads to jaundice.