Which water-soluble vitamin must be supplied continuously in the human diet because it cannot be stored in the body and is readily excreted in urine, but is essential for preventing scurvy?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)

- Fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, and K (soluble in lipids, stored in the liver and adipose tissue);
- Water-soluble vitamins: B-complex and Vitamin C.
  1. Step 1: Vitamins are categorized based on their solubility:
  2. Step 2: Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in body fluids and are continuously excreted in urine, so they cannot be stored in significant quantities and must be ingested regularly in the daily diet.
  3. Step 3: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) acts as an essential cofactor for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylases during collagen synthesis; its deficiency leads to scurvy (bleeding gums, fragile capillaries, poor wound healing).
Answer
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)
Why not the others: 'Vitamin A', 'Vitamin D', and 'Vitamin K' are fat-soluble vitamins that are stored in the liver and do not require daily intake.

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