Which of the following is best known as a richest source of Vitamin C?

AIIMS CRE SNO - 2023

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS CRE SNO - 2023

Explanation

Amla (Indian gooseberry) is exceptionally rich in Vitamin C, making it the most potent source among the given options.
According to nutritional data, 100 grams of Amla contain approximately 600 mg of Vitamin C.
This concentration is over ten times higher than that found in lemons and oranges, establishing it as the 'richest' source in this comparison.

Option A: While lemon is a good source of Vitamin C, its content (approx. 63 mg/100g) is significantly lower than that of Amla.
Option B: Orange is a popular source of Vitamin C, but it contains only about 30 mg per 100g, which is substantially less than Amla.
Option C: Curd is a dairy product, primarily a source of protein, calcium, and probiotics. It contains virtually no Vitamin C.

Visual 1: Bar Chart - A chart visually comparing the Vitamin C content (in mg per 100g) of Amla, lemon, orange, and other fruits. This would clearly illustrate the vast difference in concentration.
Visual 2: Infographic - An infographic showing the health benefits of Vitamin C, such as immune support, skin health, and antioxidant action, with Amla highlighted as a top source.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Nutritional sources of Vitamin C as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in patient education, including dietary counseling. Knowing the most potent sources of essential nutrients like Vitamin C helps in providing accurate and effective advice for wound healing, immune function, and overall health.
For patients recovering from surgery or illness, recommending nutrient-dense foods like Amla can help meet their increased nutritional requirements for recovery without requiring large volumes of food.
What if? If a patient has a citrus allergy, they cannot have lemons or oranges. In this case, knowing alternative rich sources like Amla or Guava becomes clinically important for dietary planning.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword in the question, which is 'richest source'. This indicates you need to find the option with the highest concentration of Vitamin C.
Next, evaluate each option based on general nutritional knowledge. You know that lemon and orange are sources of Vitamin C, and curd is a dairy product.
Eliminate the obviously incorrect option. Curd is primarily known for calcium and protein, not Vitamin C, so it can be safely eliminated.
Compare the remaining options. The question is now between Lemon, Orange, and Amla. While all are fruits, you must recall or deduce which one is the most potent.
Recall that Amla (Indian gooseberry) is widely cited in nutrition and traditional medicine for its exceptionally high Vitamin C content, far exceeding common citrus fruits.
Therefore, select Amla as the 'richest source'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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