Question

Which of the following is called defensive (protective) material?

• A. Vitamin
• B. Protein
• C. Carbohydrate
• D. Fat

Hint:

Recall the three groups nutrients are sorted into: body building, energy giving and protective.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question.
Foods and nutrients are grouped by the main job they do in the body. The question asks which one of protein, vitamin, carbohydrate or fat is called a protective or defensive material.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach.
Nutrition science sorts the main nutrients into three broad groups. Body building foods, like proteins, help growth and repair of tissues. Energy giving foods, like carbohydrates and fats, supply fuel for daily activity. Protective foods, like vitamins and minerals, guard the body against disease and keep the immune system and metabolism working well.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation.
Protein builds muscle, skin, enzymes and hormones, so it falls under body building foods, not protective foods.
Carbohydrate is the main source of quick energy for the body, so it falls under energy giving foods.
Fat also gives energy and stores much more of it per gram than carbohydrate, so it too is an energy giving food.
Vitamin does not build tissue and is not burnt for energy in any major way. Instead, it helps enzymes work properly, strengthens immunity and prevents deficiency diseases like scurvy, rickets and night blindness. This guarding role is why vitamins are called protective or defensive materials, along with minerals.

Step 4: Final Answer.
The nutrient known as a defensive or protective material is vitamin.
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