Question

Vitamin C rich foods are good for health because they:
(A) promote resistance against infection
(B) help in growth of body
(C) prevents bleeding of gums
(D) protects eyes against blindness
(E) helps in speedy recovery of wounds.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (C) and (E) only.
• B. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• C. (C), (D) and (E) only.
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

To solve this quickly, eliminate (D) because protecting eyes from blindness is a classic function of Vitamin A.
This immediately rules out three options, leaving (A) as the correct choice.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin with several key physiological roles in the human body.
It serves as an antioxidant, enzyme cofactor, and structural component.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each physiological role of Vitamin C:
- (A) Promotes resistance against infection: Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and stimulates white blood cell function to support the immune system. Thus, (A) is correct.
- (B) Helps in body growth: General body growth is primarily driven by proteins, calories, and growth hormones, rather than being a specific function of Vitamin C. Thus, (B) is incorrect.
- (C) Prevents bleeding of gums: Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which maintains the integrity of blood vessels and connective tissues. Deficiency causes scurvy, which is characterized by bleeding gums. Thus, (C) is correct.
- (D) Protects eyes against blindness: Preventing night blindness is the primary function of Vitamin A, not Vitamin C. Thus, (D) is incorrect.
- (E) Helps in speedy recovery of wounds: Collagen synthesis is also critical for tissue repair, scar formation, and wound healing. Thus, (E) is correct.
Therefore, only statements (A), (C), and (E) are correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The physiological benefits of Vitamin C include promoting resistance to infection, preventing bleeding gums, and aiding wound healing, corresponding to option (A).