Question

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

• A. Ascorbic acid - Scurvy
• B. Retinal - Xerophthalmia
• C. Cobalamin - Beri-beri
• D. Calciferol - Pellagra

Answer 1

The correct option is B Retinal - Xerophthalmia

Vitamin is an organic molecule that the body needs for growth and development. It is a micronutrient and is primarily acquired through food as it cannot be synthesized within an organism.

1. Vitamins that can dissolve in water are called water-soluble vitamins. Example, vitamin B and vitamin C.
2. Vitamins that dissolve in fat are called fat-soluble vitamins. Example, vitamin A, D, E & K.

The disease xerophthalmia is caused due to deficiency of fat soluble vitamin-A (retinol). Calciferol or vitamin-D is also fat soluble but its deficiency disease is rickets, osteomalacia and dental caries. Pellagra is caused due to niacin $(vitamin-B_3)$ deficiency.