Question

Which one of the following are a fat soluble vitamin and its related deficiency disease?

• A. Calciferol - Pellagra
• B. Ascorbic acid - Scurvy
• C. Retinol - Xerophthalmia
• D. Cobalamin - Beriberi

Answer 1

The correct option is C Retinol - Xerophthalmia

Vitamins are of two types depending on its chemical nature- fat-soluble and water soluble. Retinol (Vitamin A) is fat-soluble and can be stored in the body.

Vitamin A deficiency impairs immunity and hematopoiesis and causes rashes and typical ocular effects (eg, xerophthalmia, night blindness). Xerophthalmia is a condition in which the eye fails to produce tears. It is characterized by abnormal dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye, with inflammation and ridge formation.
Calciferol (vitamin D) is also fat soluble but it is not associated with pellagra. Pellagra is disease caused due to deficiency of the water-soluble vitamin B3. Ascorbic acid or Vitamin C deficiency is associated with scurvy but ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin B₁₂, also called cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin and is not associated with Beri beri. Beri beri is caused due to deficiency of Vitamin B1 or thiamine.