Vitamin E is otherwise known as

RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2022

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2022

Explanation

Vitamin E is historically known as the anti-sterility vitamin.
This name originates from early animal studies where its deficiency was linked to reproductive failure, including infertility and recurrent abortions.
The chemical name for Vitamin E, tocopherol, is derived from Greek words meaning 'to bear childbirth', reinforcing this historical connection.

Option B: While Vitamin E is a primary fat-soluble antioxidant, this is a description of its main physiological function, not its specific alternative name.
Option C: 'Anti-aging vitamin' is a colloquial or marketing term, not a scientifically recognized name. It stems from its antioxidant properties that combat cellular damage.
Option D: This is factually incorrect. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, along with vitamins A, D, and K. Water-soluble vitamins include the B-complex vitamins and Vitamin C.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Alternative names and properties of Vitamin E as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse should understand that patients with conditions causing fat malabsorption (e.g., cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis) are at risk for deficiencies of all fat-soluble vitamins, including Vitamin E.
Deficiency can lead to hemolytic anemia due to increased fragility of red blood cells, a key clinical sign to monitor.
While promoted for many conditions, high-dose Vitamin E supplementation has shown mixed results and can interfere with Vitamin K activity and blood clotting, a crucial consideration for patients on anticoagulant therapy.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for an alternative name for Vitamin E.
Evaluate each option based on your knowledge of vitamins. Option D, 'Water soluble vitamin,' is a classification error; immediately eliminate it as Vitamin E is fat-soluble (ADEK).
Consider Option C, 'Anti aging vitamin.' Recognize this as a common but informal, non-scientific term often used in marketing.
Differentiate between Option A and B. Option B, 'Primary Anti oxident vitamin,' describes a primary function, while Option A, 'Anti sterility vitamin,' refers to a specific name given to the vitamin based on its historical discovery and the etymology of 'tocopherol.'
Recall or deduce that historical names are often used as alternative names in questions like this. Conclude that 'Anti sterility vitamin' is the most fitting answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q6VJq8EdS2wzVwkS9sY5L

E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 1 (pp 26-420 of 840) p. 119-121

E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi Essentials 9e Part 3 p. 272-274

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 152-154