Vitamins and Nutrition

1. Who among the following is considered as the ‘Father of Vitamin therap

Who among the following is considered as the ‘Father of Vitamin therapy’ ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Christiaan Eijkman” option2=”Frederick Hopkins” option3=”Casimir Funk” option4=”Robert Woodward” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2023
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Casimir Funk is considered the ‘Father of Vitamin therapy’.
Casimir Funk was a Polish biochemist who is credited with formulating the concept of vitamins. In 1912, he isolated a substance from rice husks that could cure beriberi and coined the term “vitamine” (later changed to vitamin), believing them to be vital amines essential for health and preventing deficiency diseases. His work strongly advocated for the therapeutic use of these substances, leading to him being regarded as the ‘Father of Vitamin therapy’.
Christiaan Eijkman’s work on the link between diet and beriberi was crucial in identifying vitamin deficiency, earning him a Nobel Prize, which he shared with Frederick Hopkins, who also worked on ‘accessory food factors’. While their contributions were foundational to the discovery of vitamins, Funk is more directly associated with the term “vitamin” and the therapeutic application of these substances to treat deficiency diseases, giving him the title ‘Father of Vitamin Therapy’. Robert Woodward was a Nobel laureate known for synthesizing many complex organic molecules, including vitamins, but he was not involved in their initial discovery or the development of vitamin therapy concepts in the early 20th century.

2. The two elements which are present in proteins but generally absent in

The two elements which are present in proteins but generally absent in carbohydrates are

[amp_mcq option1=”Carbon and Hydrogen.” option2=”Carbon and Nitrogen.” option3=”Nitrogen and Sulphur.” option4=”Sulphur and Hydrogen.” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2021
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Proteins are complex organic molecules that always contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Many proteins also contain sulphur (due to the presence of amino acids like cysteine and methionine). Carbohydrates are primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, usually in a ratio of CnH2nOn or similar forms. Therefore, nitrogen and sulphur are elements typically found in proteins but generally absent in carbohydrates.
Proteins are polymers of amino acids. Each amino acid contains an amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a side chain (R-group) attached to a central alpha carbon. The nitrogen atom is a defining component of the amino group. Carbohydrates, such as sugars and starches, are primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, often in a 1:2:1 ratio for H:O.
While nitrogen is a constituent of proteins and nucleic acids (DNA, RNA), it is not found in carbohydrates or typical lipids. Sulphur is present in some amino acids (cysteine, methionine) and therefore in many proteins, as well as in some vitamins, but it is not a component of carbohydrates. Carbon and hydrogen are fundamental elements present in all organic molecules, including both proteins and carbohydrates.

3. Young children with vitamin D deficiency have trouble in absorbing whi

Young children with vitamin D deficiency have trouble in absorbing which of the following minerals ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Calcium and Phosphorus” option2=”Iron and Sodium” option3=”Sodium and Potassium” option4=”Zinc and Iron” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2018
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Young children with vitamin D deficiency have trouble in absorbing Calcium and Phosphorus.
– Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the small intestine.
– These minerals are crucial for bone mineralization and overall bone health.
– In children, a deficiency in vitamin D leads to inadequate absorption of calcium and phosphorus, resulting in rickets, a condition characterized by soft and weak bones, bone deformities, and impaired growth.
– Iron is essential for red blood cell formation, and its absorption is primarily influenced by factors like Vitamin C.
– Sodium and Potassium are important electrolytes, and their balance is regulated by the kidneys and other hormones, not directly by Vitamin D absorption.
– Zinc is involved in various metabolic processes, and its absorption is not directly dependent on Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight and can also be obtained from certain foods or supplements. Severe vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia in adults (softening of bones).

4. Which one among the following is the richest source of vitamin C?

Which one among the following is the richest source of vitamin C?

[amp_mcq option1=”Apple” option2=”Banana” option3=”Amla” option4=”Papaya” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2017
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Amla (Indian gooseberry) is considered one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C.
Amla contains an exceptionally high concentration of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) compared to most other fruits.
While apple, banana, and papaya do contain vitamin C, their levels are significantly lower than that found in Amla. Citrus fruits and guavas are also known for high vitamin C content, but among the options given, Amla is superior.

5. Consider the following pairs : Vitamin : Deficiency disease 1. Vitamin

Consider the following pairs :
Vitamin : Deficiency disease
1. Vitamin C : Scurvy
2. Vitamin D : Rickets
3. Vitamin E : Night blindness
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”3 only” option3=”1, 2 and 3″ option4=”None” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
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Pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched, describing the deficiency diseases associated with Vitamin C and Vitamin D, respectively. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched.
Pair 1: Vitamin C deficiency causes Scurvy, a disease characterized by weakness, anemia, bruising, bleeding gums, and loose teeth. This pair is correctly matched.
Pair 2: Vitamin D deficiency causes Rickets in children, a condition characterized by soft and weak bones, leading to skeletal deformities. In adults, it causes Osteomalacia. This pair is correctly matched.
Pair 3: Vitamin E deficiency is rare and can lead to nerve and muscle damage, loss of body movement control, muscle weakness, and vision problems. Night blindness (Nyctalopia) is caused by Vitamin A deficiency, which affects the ability to see in low light conditions. This pair is incorrectly matched.
Vitamins are essential micronutrients required by the body for various metabolic processes. Deficiency of different vitamins leads to specific deficiency diseases. Vitamin A is crucial for vision, immune function, and cell growth. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage.

6. Which of the following ions present in low concentration in drinking w

Which of the following ions present in low concentration in drinking water is essential for normal growth of teeth but harmful to teeth at high concentration ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Aluminium” option2=”Calcium” option3=”Fluoride” option4=”Chloride” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2014
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The question describes an ion that is essential for normal growth of teeth in low concentration but harmful at high concentration. This perfectly describes the effect of fluoride ions on dental health.
– Aluminium: Not considered essential for teeth.
– Calcium: A major structural component of teeth and bones, essential in large amounts. While excess calcium intake can have health implications, its role in teeth is primarily structural, not a trace element with this specific low-dose benefit/high-dose harm profile in drinking water.
– Fluoride: Fluoride ions are absorbed into tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks and preventing cavities. Low concentrations (typically 0.7-1.2 parts per million or ppm in drinking water) are beneficial for dental health. However, excessive fluoride intake, especially during tooth development, can lead to dental fluorosis (mottling and discoloration of enamel). Very high doses can cause skeletal fluorosis.
– Chloride: An essential electrolyte, but not known for this specific beneficial/harmful effect on teeth development in drinking water.
Therefore, Fluoride is the ion that fits the description.
Recall the role of fluoride in dental health – beneficial at optimal low concentrations for strengthening enamel and preventing decay, but harmful at higher concentrations causing fluorosis.
Water fluoridation is a common public health measure to reduce dental cavities. The optimal level of fluoride in drinking water is a balance between preventing cavities and avoiding fluorosis. Natural fluoride levels vary widely depending on the geological source of water.

7. Which one among the following combinations most appropriately represen

Which one among the following combinations most appropriately represent the components of balanced diet ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Carbohydrate, vitamins, proteins, fat, minerals, fibres and water” option2=”Carbohydrate, vitamins, proteins, fat and minerals” option3=”Carbohydrate, vitamins, proteins, minerals and water” option4=”Vitamins, proteins, fat, minerals, fibres and water” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2024
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A balanced diet must provide all the essential nutrients required by the body in appropriate quantities for good health. The options provided list various food components. Option A includes all the major categories of nutrients and essential components needed for a balanced diet.
A balanced diet consists of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, dietary fibres, and water. Each of these components plays a vital role in the body’s functions.
Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy. Proteins are essential for growth and repair. Fats provide energy and help absorb certain vitamins. Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients necessary for various metabolic processes. Fibres are important for digestive health. Water is crucial for numerous bodily functions, including transport and temperature regulation.

8. Intestinal bacteria are main source of which one of the following vita

Intestinal bacteria are main source of which one of the following vitamins ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Vitamin E” option2=”Vitamin C” option3=”Vitamin B₁₂” option4=”Vitamin A” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2021
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The correct answer is C) Vitamin B₁₂.
Bacteria residing in the large intestine (colon) of humans are known to synthesize several vitamins, including Vitamin K and various B vitamins, particularly Vitamin B₁₂ (cobalamin).
While intestinal bacteria produce B₁₂, its absorption primarily occurs in the ileum (part of the small intestine) and requires intrinsic factor produced by the stomach. Dietary intake is the main source of Vitamin B₁₂ for humans, as the bacterial production in the colon might not be sufficient or readily absorbable. However, among the options provided, B₁₂ is the vitamin most notably associated with production by intestinal bacteria.

9. Which one of the following diseases may be caused by the deficiency of

Which one of the following diseases may be caused by the deficiency of vitamin C ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Rickets” option2=”Rabies” option3=”Hepatitis” option4=”Scurvy” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2019
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The correct option is D) Scurvy.
Scurvy is a disease resulting from a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a protein required for healthy skin, gums, blood vessels, bones, and connective tissue. Symptoms of scurvy include fatigue, gum disease, joint pain, poor wound healing, and bleeding. Rickets is caused by Vitamin D deficiency. Rabies is a viral infection. Hepatitis is typically a viral infection causing liver inflammation.

10. Which one of the following vitamins has a role in blood clotting ?

Which one of the following vitamins has a role in blood clotting ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Vitamin A” option2=”Vitamin D” option3=”Vitamin E” option4=”Vitamin K” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2017
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Vitamin K plays a crucial role in blood clotting. It is essential for the synthesis of several proteins, called coagulation factors, that are necessary for blood to clot properly.
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin vital for the synthesis of clotting factors (prothrombin, factors VII, IX, and X) in the liver.
– Vitamin A is important for vision, immune function, and cell growth.
– Vitamin D is primarily involved in calcium absorption and bone health.
– Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
– A deficiency in Vitamin K can lead to excessive bleeding.
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