Which vitamin is known as fertility vitamin?

Appeared in: MNS 2015

Explanation

Vitamin E, also known as tocopherol, is commonly referred to as the 'fertility vitamin' or 'anti-sterility vitamin'.
Its primary role is as a potent fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
This antioxidant action is particularly important for reproductive cells (sperm and ova), helping to maintain their structural integrity and viability.
Deficiency in Vitamin E can lead to reproductive problems, including reduced sperm motility in males.

Option A: Vitamin A (Retinol) is primarily associated with vision, immune function, and epithelial cell growth, not fertility.
Option B: Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is essential for collagen synthesis, wound healing, and immune function.
Option D: Vitamin K is known as the 'coagulation vitamin' because it is essential for the synthesis of blood clotting factors.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vitamins and their physiological roles as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses should recognize that a patient's nutritional status, including vitamin deficiencies, can be an underlying factor in cases of infertility and should be considered during assessment.
When providing patient education on nutrition or supplements, it is crucial to explain the specific roles of different vitamins and the health risks associated with both deficiency and excessive intake (hypervitaminosis).
What if? If a newborn presents with bleeding from the umbilical stump, the nurse should suspect a deficiency in Vitamin K (hemorrhagic disease of the newborn), not Vitamin E.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of the specific names and primary functions of essential vitamins.
First, identify the key phrase in the question stem: 'fertility vitamin'.
Next, systematically review the options and recall the main function associated with each vitamin.
Recall that Vitamin A is for vision.
Recall that Vitamin C is for collagen and immunity (scurvy).
Recall that Vitamin K is for blood Klotting (coagulation).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 One Stop Resource all for your Exam Needs in Biochemistry (pp 6-135 of 140) p. 76-78

E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 1 (pp 26-420 of 840) pp. 150-152, 149-151

Practise the full MNS 2015

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