PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
WBPSC Miscellaneous Preliminary 2019
Answer
Ascorbic Acid
Explanation
The chemical name for Vitamin C is Ascorbic Acid. It is a vital water-soluble vitamin that the human body cannot synthesize on its own. It is abundantly found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, Indian gooseberry (Amla), and green chilies. Ascorbic acid is crucial for tissue repair, the synthesis of collagen, and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters, boosting overall immunity.
Key Points
- > Deficiency of Vitamin C leads to a disease called Scurvy, characterized by swollen and bleeding gums.
- > Vitamins B complex and C are water-soluble vitamins.
- > Vitamin C is highly sensitive to heat and gets easily destroyed during cooking.
- > Calciferol is the chemical name for Vitamin D (synthesized in the skin via sunlight).
- > Retinol is Vitamin A, crucial for vision (deficiency causes night blindness).
- > Thiamine is Vitamin B1, and its deficiency causes Beriberi.
Additional Information
Vitamins: Chemical Names & Deficiency Diseases
| Vitamin | Chemical Name | Deficiency Disease |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Retinol | Night Blindness |
| Vitamin B1 | Thiamine | Beriberi |
| Vitamin C | Ascorbic Acid | Scurvy |
| Vitamin D | Calciferol | Rickets (in children) |
| Vitamin E | Tocopherol | Sterility / Muscle weakness |
| Vitamin K | Phylloquinone | Delayed blood clotting |
Memory Tips
- Letter Connection: SCurvy is caused by a lack of Vitamin C (AsCorbic Acid).