Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

Which fat-soluble vitamin is associated with bone development and calcium absorption?

1. Vitamin A

2. Vitamin C

3. Vitamin D

4. Vitamin K

The correct answer is: Vitamin D

Vitamin D is crucial for bone development and calcium absorption. This vitamin enhances the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are vital minerals for building and maintaining strong bones. Without adequate vitamin D, the body struggles to absorb enough calcium, potentially leading to weakened bones and conditions such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. While other vitamins play important roles in the body, they do not directly influence bone health in the same way as vitamin D. For instance, vitamin A is essential for vision and immune function, and vitamin K is involved in blood clotting and bone metabolism, but neither has the direct effect on calcium absorption that vitamin D does. Vitamin C is important for collagen production and overall immune function but does not specifically impact bone mineralization or calcium absorption similarly to vitamin D. Therefore, recognizing the unique and critical role of vitamin D in bone health clarifies its importance in nutrition and health practices.