The anti-sterility vitamin is known as

RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-3rd)

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-3rd)

Explanation

Vitamin E is widely known as the anti-sterility or anti-infertility vitamin due to its essential role in the normal functioning of the reproductive system.
Its chemical name, tocopherol, is derived from the Greek words 'tokos' (childbirth) and 'pherein' (to bear), highlighting its connection to reproduction.
Studies in animals show that a deficiency of Vitamin E can lead to infertility, including loss of sperm motility and inability to produce healthy ova.
As a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin E protects the cells of the reproductive system from oxidative damage.

Option B: Vitamin A, or retinol, is primarily known as the 'anti-infective' vitamin. Its main role is related to vision, immune function, and cellular growth, not sterility.
Option C: Vitamin D is known as the 'sunshine vitamin' or 'anti-rickets' vitamin. Its primary function is to regulate calcium and phosphate metabolism, which is crucial for bone health.
Option D: Vitamin B refers to a complex of several different water-soluble vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, etc.). While they are essential for energy metabolism, nerve function, and cell production, none are specifically termed the 'anti-sterility' vitamin.

Visual 1: Table: A summary chart of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) detailing their scientific names, common names, primary functions, and key deficiency diseases. This helps in comparing and contrasting their roles at a glance.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Alternative names and functions of vitamins as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
When counseling patients with infertility, a nutritional assessment is important as deficiencies in certain micronutrients, like Vitamin E, can be a contributing factor.
Nurses should educate patients that while Vitamin E is important, excessive intake (hypervitaminosis) can be toxic and may interfere with blood clotting, so supplementation should be done cautiously and under medical advice.
What if? A patient on a strict, very low-fat diet reports issues with fertility. The nurse should recognize a higher risk for deficiency in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), as their absorption depends on dietary fat, making Vitamin E deficiency a plausible concern.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrase in the question stem: 'anti-sterility vitamin'.
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of the alternative names and primary functions of different vitamins.
Systematically review the options. For each vitamin, recall its main function or common name.
Recall that Vitamin A is for vision, Vitamin D is for bones, and Vitamin B is a complex for metabolism.
Associate 'anti-sterility' with Vitamin E (Tocopherol), whose name itself relates to childbirth.
Select the option that correctly matches the key phrase.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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