Question 9 of 32beginner💡 UnderstandShort Answer2 marks

Why cannot vitamin C be stored in our body?

Correct Answer

Vitamin C cannot be stored in our body because it is a water-soluble vitamin.

Vitamins are classified into two categories: fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) and water-soluble vitamins (B group and C). Vitamin C belongs to the water-soluble category. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins which can be stored in the body's fat tissues, water-soluble vitamins cannot be retained and need to be provided regularly through diet as they are excreted from the body.

Exercise: Intext Questions | Q: 10.6 | (Page 21)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The textbook context clearly classifies vitamins into fat-soluble (A, D, E and K) and water-soluble (B group and C) categories. Vitamin C is explicitly mentioned as a water-soluble vitamin. The classification itself implies the storage capability - fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in fatty tissues while water-soluble vitamins cannot be stored and are excreted, requiring regular dietary intake.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Identify that vitamins are classified as fat-soluble and water-soluble from the context.

  2. Step 2: Note that vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin.

  3. Step 3: Conclude that being water-soluble, vitamin C cannot be stored in the body unlike fat-soluble vitamins.