PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
PSC Miscellaneous Prelims 2018
Answer
Ascorbic acid
Explanation
The chemical name of Vitamin C is Ascorbic acid. It is a vital water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods, especially citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and Indian gooseberry (Amla). Vitamin C plays a crucial role in immune system function and collagen synthesis. A severe deficiency of Vitamin C leads to a disease called Scurvy, characterized by bleeding gums.
Key Points
- > Ascorbic acid is the chemical name for Vitamin C.
- > It is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning it is not stored well in the body and needs daily replenishment.
- > Deficiency of Vitamin C causes Scurvy.
- > Vitamin C is destroyed by heat (cooking).
- > Retinol is Vitamin A (deficiency causes night blindness).
- > Thiamine is Vitamin B1 (deficiency causes beriberi).
- > Calciferol is Vitamin D (deficiency causes rickets).
Additional Information
Chemical Names of Vitamins and 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 |
| Vitamin K | Phylloquinone | Delayed blood clotting |
Memory Tips
- C-Scurvy-Ascorbic: Connect the 'C' sounds: Vitamin C -> Scurvy -> Ascorbic Acid.