,BIOD 121 Module 4 Exam | Essentials in
Nutrition | Portage Learning | Q & A 2026
Edition
1. Which of the following best defines a vitamin?
A) An organic compound that provides energy for cellular metabolism
B) An organic compound that the body needs in small amounts to regulate body processes
C) An inorganic substance that maintains fluid balance and nerve function
D) A type of macronutrient required for building and repairing tissues
Correct Answer: An organic compound that the body needs in small amounts to regulate body processes
Rationale: Vitamins are organic compounds needed in small quantities to regulate and support
processes such as digestion, absorption, metabolism, and body regulation. They yield no energy
themselves but are critical for growth and maintenance.
2. Approximately how many essential vitamins have been identified that must be obtained through the
diet?
A) 8
B) 10
C) 13
D) 15
Correct Answer: 13
Rationale: There are 13 essential vitamins that animal cells need but cannot synthesize. The majority
cannot be made by the body and must be consumed in the diet.
3. Which of the following is a fat-soluble vitamin?
A) Vitamin C
,B) Vitamin B12
C) Vitamin D
D) Vitamin B6
Correct Answer: Vitamin D
Rationale: The four fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E, and K. They are absorbed with dietary fat and stored
in the body's fatty tissues and liver. Vitamins C and the B-complex vitamins are water-soluble.
4. What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes fat-soluble vitamins from water-soluble vitamins?
A) Fat-soluble vitamins are organic; water-soluble vitamins are inorganic
B) Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body; water-soluble vitamins are not stored and are excreted in
urine
C) Fat-soluble vitamins are vulnerable to cooking losses; water-soluble vitamins are not
D) Fat-soluble vitamins are only found in animal products; water-soluble vitamins are only in plants
Correct Answer: Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body; water-soluble vitamins are not stored and
are excreted in urine
Rationale: Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body's fatty tissues and liver, making toxicity possible
with excessive intake. Water-soluble vitamins have a low likelihood of toxicity because excess amounts
are excreted in urine.
5. Which of the following is a water-soluble vitamin?
A) Vitamin A
B) Vitamin D
C) Vitamin E
D) Vitamin C
Correct Answer: Vitamin C
, Rationale: Water-soluble vitamins include the B-complex vitamins and vitamin C. Vitamins A, D, and E
are fat-soluble.
6. A nutrition student is asked to list the four fat-soluble vitamins. Which of the following is the correct
list?
A) A, C, D, K
B) A, D, E, K
C) B, C, D, E
D) A, B, C, D
Correct Answer: A, D, E, K
Rationale: The four fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E, and K. They are absorbed with dietary fat
and are stored in the body's fatty tissues.
7. Which B-vitamin is essential for red blood cell formation and neurological function, and is naturally
found in animal products?
A) Thiamin (B1)
B) Riboflavin (B2)
C) Vitamin B12
D) Folate (B9)
Correct Answer: Vitamin B12
Rationale: Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA
synthesis. It is naturally found in animal products and is a water-soluble vitamin.
8. A patient presents with fatigue, weakness, and a sore, red tongue. Which B-vitamin deficiency is most
likely?
A) Thiamin (B1)
Nutrition | Portage Learning | Q & A 2026
Edition
1. Which of the following best defines a vitamin?
A) An organic compound that provides energy for cellular metabolism
B) An organic compound that the body needs in small amounts to regulate body processes
C) An inorganic substance that maintains fluid balance and nerve function
D) A type of macronutrient required for building and repairing tissues
Correct Answer: An organic compound that the body needs in small amounts to regulate body processes
Rationale: Vitamins are organic compounds needed in small quantities to regulate and support
processes such as digestion, absorption, metabolism, and body regulation. They yield no energy
themselves but are critical for growth and maintenance.
2. Approximately how many essential vitamins have been identified that must be obtained through the
diet?
A) 8
B) 10
C) 13
D) 15
Correct Answer: 13
Rationale: There are 13 essential vitamins that animal cells need but cannot synthesize. The majority
cannot be made by the body and must be consumed in the diet.
3. Which of the following is a fat-soluble vitamin?
A) Vitamin C
,B) Vitamin B12
C) Vitamin D
D) Vitamin B6
Correct Answer: Vitamin D
Rationale: The four fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E, and K. They are absorbed with dietary fat and stored
in the body's fatty tissues and liver. Vitamins C and the B-complex vitamins are water-soluble.
4. What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes fat-soluble vitamins from water-soluble vitamins?
A) Fat-soluble vitamins are organic; water-soluble vitamins are inorganic
B) Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body; water-soluble vitamins are not stored and are excreted in
urine
C) Fat-soluble vitamins are vulnerable to cooking losses; water-soluble vitamins are not
D) Fat-soluble vitamins are only found in animal products; water-soluble vitamins are only in plants
Correct Answer: Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body; water-soluble vitamins are not stored and
are excreted in urine
Rationale: Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body's fatty tissues and liver, making toxicity possible
with excessive intake. Water-soluble vitamins have a low likelihood of toxicity because excess amounts
are excreted in urine.
5. Which of the following is a water-soluble vitamin?
A) Vitamin A
B) Vitamin D
C) Vitamin E
D) Vitamin C
Correct Answer: Vitamin C
, Rationale: Water-soluble vitamins include the B-complex vitamins and vitamin C. Vitamins A, D, and E
are fat-soluble.
6. A nutrition student is asked to list the four fat-soluble vitamins. Which of the following is the correct
list?
A) A, C, D, K
B) A, D, E, K
C) B, C, D, E
D) A, B, C, D
Correct Answer: A, D, E, K
Rationale: The four fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E, and K. They are absorbed with dietary fat
and are stored in the body's fatty tissues.
7. Which B-vitamin is essential for red blood cell formation and neurological function, and is naturally
found in animal products?
A) Thiamin (B1)
B) Riboflavin (B2)
C) Vitamin B12
D) Folate (B9)
Correct Answer: Vitamin B12
Rationale: Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA
synthesis. It is naturally found in animal products and is a water-soluble vitamin.
8. A patient presents with fatigue, weakness, and a sore, red tongue. Which B-vitamin deficiency is most
likely?
A) Thiamin (B1)
