The anti-sterility fat-soluble vitamin is -?

Appeared in: HP CHO -9 October 2022

Explanation

Vitamin E is scientifically known as tocopherol, a name derived from Greek words meaning 'to bear childbirth'.
It was identified as the 'anti-sterility' factor because deficiency in this vitamin was found to cause reproductive failure and infertility in laboratory animals.
Besides its role in reproduction, Vitamin E is a major lipid-soluble antioxidant in cell membranes, protecting them from oxidative damage.
Dietary sources are rich in vegetable oils, such as wheat germ oil, sunflower oil, and safflower oil.

Option A: Vitamin D (Calciferol) is primarily involved in calcium and phosphate metabolism, which is essential for bone health.
Option B: Vitamin K (Phylloquinone) is essential for blood coagulation (clotting). It is required for the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver.
Option D: Vitamin A (Retinol) is crucial for vision (as part of rhodopsin), immune function, and maintaining healthy epithelial tissues.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Functions and names of fat-soluble vitamins as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While severe Vitamin E deficiency is rare in humans, it can occur in individuals with fat malabsorption disorders (e.g., cystic fibrosis, chronic cholestatic liver disease), leading to neurological problems and hemolytic anemia.
As a potent antioxidant, Vitamin E helps protect cells from oxidative stress, which is implicated in many chronic diseases.
Nurses should be aware that high doses of Vitamin E can interfere with Vitamin K activity and increase the risk of bleeding, especially in patients on anticoagulant therapy.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question: 'anti-sterility' and 'fat-soluble vitamin'.
Recall the four fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, and K.
Systematically review the primary function associated with each vitamin.
Vitamin A is for vision. Vitamin D is for bones. Vitamin K is for clotting.
This leaves Vitamin E. Recall that its chemical name, tocopherol, relates to childbirth, linking it to the term 'anti-sterility'.
Select the option corresponding to Vitamin E.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-239 of 478) p. 131-133

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 517-519

Practise the full HP CHO -9 October 2022

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.