Question

Which of the following vitamins cannot be stored in the body?

• A. \(A\)
• B. \(C\)
• C. \(E\)
• D. \(K\)

Hint:

Water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin \(C\) and vitamin \(B\)-complex are not stored in the body, whereas fat-soluble vitamins \(A,\;D,\;E,\;K\) can be stored.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Recall the two classes of vitamins.
Vitamins are either fat soluble or water soluble, and this difference decides whether the body can store them.
Step 2: List the fat soluble vitamins.
Vitamins $A$, $D$, $E$ and $K$ dissolve in fat and are stored in the liver and fatty tissues, so the body keeps a reserve of them.
Step 3: Identify the water soluble vitamins.
The $B$ group vitamins and vitamin $C$ dissolve in water. Water soluble vitamins are not stored and any excess is washed out in the urine.
Step 4: Test the options $A$, $E$ and $K$.
Vitamins $A$, $E$ and $K$ are all fat soluble, so each of them can be stored in the body. They cannot be the answer.
Step 5: Test vitamin $C$.
Vitamin $C$ is water soluble, so it cannot be stored and must be taken regularly in the diet.
Step 6: Conclude.
The vitamin that cannot be stored in the body is
\[ \boxed{C} \]