Why does severe bile duct obstruction lead to deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) despite sufficient dietary intake?

💡 Explanation

Bile salts are crucial for emulsifying fats and forming micelles, which are necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Because obstruction prevents bile from reaching the small intestine, micelle formation fails, therefore vitamin absorption is reduced, rather than issues with vitamin synthesis or excretion.

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