Question

Which of the following vitamins is water-soluble?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin C
• C. Vitamin D
• D. Vitamin E

Hint:

A simple mnemonic to remember fat-soluble vitamins is "K-E-D-A" or "A-D-E-K".
All other vitamins (the B-complexes and C) are water-soluble.
This basic classification is a frequent question in biochemical and nutritional exams.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify which of the given vitamins belongs to the water-soluble category. Vitamins are broadly classified into two groups based on their solubility: fat-soluble and water-soluble.
Detailed Explanation:

• Fat-Soluble Vitamins:
These vitamins are soluble in organic solvents and lipids.
They are stored in the body's fatty tissues and the liver.
The four fat-soluble vitamins are Vitamin A (Retinol), Vitamin D (Calciferol), Vitamin E (Tocopherol), and Vitamin K (Phylloquinone).
Because they are stored, excessive intake can lead to toxicity (hypervitaminosis).

• Water-Soluble Vitamins:
These vitamins dissolve in water and are generally not stored in the body for long periods (except Vitamin \( B_{12} \)).
They must be supplied regularly in the diet, and any excess is typically excreted in the urine.
The water-soluble vitamins include the Vitamin B-complex group and Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid).

• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid):
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and a cofactor for several enzymes involved in collagen synthesis and tissue repair.
In plant biotechnology, Vitamin C is sometimes added to tissue culture media as an antioxidant to prevent the browning of explants caused by the oxidation of phenolic compounds.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Among the options, Vitamin C is the only water-soluble vitamin.