Why cannot vitamin C be stored in our body?
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.
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
Step 1: Identify that vitamins are classified as fat-soluble and water-soluble from the context.
Step 2: Note that vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin.
Step 3: Conclude that being water-soluble, vitamin C cannot be stored in the body unlike fat-soluble vitamins.