MPSC State Service 2021 · CSAT · Question 26 of 73

Passage: Read the following passage and answer the question. Vitamins Vitamins are organic substances present in small amount in many foods. They are required for carrying out many vital functions of the body and many of them are involved in the utilization of the major nutrients like proteins, fat and carbohydrates. Although they are needed in small amounts, they are essential for health and well-being of the body. When these vitamins are discovered on the basis of their function and before their chemical nature fully elucidated, they used to be designated by affixing the letter A, B, C, D or in terms of their major functions, viz Antixerophthalmic, Antineuritic, Antiscorbutic and Antirachatic Vitamins. After establishing the chemical nature of these Vitamins, they are now refered to by their chemical names such as Retinol, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Ascorbic Acid and Chole-calciferol. Vitamins can be broadly classify as water soluble and fat soluble vitamins. B-complex Vitamins and Ascorbic Acid belong to the former group while Vitamin A, D, E, K are the fat soluble Vitamins. Water soluble Vitamins are not accumulated in the body, but are readily excreted while fat soluble Vitamins are stored in the body. For this reason, excessive intake of fat soluble Vitamins, Vitamin A and D can prove toxic. Retinol or Vitamin A is necessary for clear vision in dim light. Lack of Vitamin A thus leads to night blindness. Another function of vitamin A is to maintain the integrity of epithelial tissue. Retinol or vitamin A is present in some foods like butter and ghee, whole milk, curd, egg yolk, liver etc. In vegetables food Vitamin A is not present as Retinol. These food contain yellow pigment called Carotene which is converted into Vitamin A in the body. So they are termed as Provitamin A. Vitamin D is required for bone growth and calcium metabolism. It plays an important role in the absorption of dietary calcium from the intestine and its deposition in bone. Vitamin D is formed in the skin by Ultraviolet rays present in sunlight which convert a cholesterol derivative present in the skin to Vit. D. Lack of Vitamin D leads to rickets and osteomalacia. The Vitamin D requirement of child is placed between 200 - 400 IU; which may be obtained in great measures in tropical countries through exposure to sunlight. Requirement of Vitamin ‘D’ in child is ________.

Reading Comprehension

1. A200 - 400 mg
2. B20 - 40 IU
3. C200 - 400 IUCorrect
4. D200 - 400 μg