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Correct Answer: vitamin c.
of the vitamins listed—vitamin a, vitamin c, vitamin k, and vitamin e—the correct answer to which is water-soluble is vitamin c. to understand why this is, it's crucial to differentiate between the two types of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble.
fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed through the intestinal tract with the help of lipids (fats). these vitamins, specifically vitamins a, d, e, and k, are stored in the body's fatty tissues and liver, and are used as needed. they are generally stored rather than excreted, which means an excess intake of fat-soluble vitamins can lead to hypervitaminosis, a condition resulting from too much vitamin accumulation.
in contrast, water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and are not stored in the body. instead, they are absorbed directly into the bloodstream during digestion or as supplements dissolve. because the human body is composed of about 60% water, these vitamins can travel easily through the body. the excess amounts of water-soluble vitamins are typically excreted through urine, helping to prevent the buildup of toxic levels.
specifically, vitamin c (ascorbic acid) and the b-complex vitamins fall into the water-soluble category. vitamin c is crucial for the synthesis of collagen, repair of tissues, and the production of certain neurotransmitters. it also plays a significant role in immune function and acts as an antioxidant. because it is water-soluble, it needs to be replenished regularly with a daily intake either through diet or supplements.
given this understanding of vitamin solubility, vitamin c is the correct choice among the options provided. vitamin a, vitamin e, and vitamin k, being fat-soluble, do not meet the criteria for water solubility. thus, they are not the correct answers to the question regarding which vitamin is water-soluble.
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