Which of the following is a fat-soluble vitamin?

WCL Staff Nurse - 2022

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: WCL Staff Nurse - 2022

Explanation

Vitamin E (Tocopherol) is correctly identified as a fat-soluble vitamin.
Fat-soluble vitamins, which include vitamins A, D, E, and K, are absorbed along with fats in the diet and can be stored in the body's fatty tissue and liver.
This storage capability means they do not need to be consumed daily, but it also creates a higher risk of toxicity (hypervitaminosis) if taken in excessive amounts.
Vitamin E specifically functions as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from damage.

Option A: Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is a water-soluble vitamin, not fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and are not stored in the body; excess amounts are excreted through urine.
Option B: Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is a well-known water-soluble vitamin. It cannot be stored in the body and must be obtained regularly through diet.
Option D: Thiamine (vitamin B1) is a water-soluble vitamin belonging to the B-complex group. Its deficiency leads to conditions like beriberi.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of Vitamins (Fat-Soluble vs. Water-Soluble) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the difference between fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins is crucial for patient education on diet and supplementation. Nurses must advise patients that fat-soluble vitamins carry a risk of toxicity if over-consumed, as they are stored in the body.
Patients with conditions that impair fat absorption (e.g., cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis, celiac disease, or those who have had gastric bypass surgery) are at high risk for deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
Water-soluble vitamins (B-complex, C) are generally considered safer from a toxicity standpoint, but their lack of storage means a consistent, daily dietary intake is necessary to prevent deficiency states.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question to identify its core requirement. The question asks to identify a 'fat-soluble vitamin' from the given options.
Next, recall the two primary classifications of vitamins: fat-soluble and water-soluble.
Use a mnemonic to remember the fat-soluble vitamins. A common and effective mnemonic is 'ADEK' for vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Scan the options provided: (A) Pyridoxine (B6), (B) Ascorbic acid (C), (C) Vitamin E, (D) Thiamine (B1).
Compare the options against your mnemonic. Vitamin E is part of 'ADEK', making it a fat-soluble vitamin.
To confirm, recognize that the other options—B vitamins (Pyridoxine, Thiamine) and Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)—are the classic examples of water-soluble vitamins.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 3 pp. 195-197, 201-203

E6 Nutrition Monika Sharma 3e p. 109-111