ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

Which vitamin protects essential fatty acids from destruction in the body?

1. Vitamin A

2. Vitamin D

3. Vitamin E

4. Vitamin C

The correct answer is: Vitamin E

Vitamin E plays a crucial role in protecting essential fatty acids from destruction within the body. Its primary function as an antioxidant allows it to neutralize free radicals, which can otherwise cause oxidative damage to lipids, including the essential fatty acids that are critical for various bodily functions such as cell membrane integrity and signaling pathways. By safeguarding these fatty acids, Vitamin E helps maintain their structure and function, contributing to overall health. This protective mechanism is especially important because fatty acids need to remain stable and functional for optimal performance in physiological processes. In contrast, the other vitamins listed do not have a similar role in preserving fatty acids. Vitamin A is primarily associated with vision and immune function, Vitamin D is crucial for calcium metabolism and bone health, while Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties and its role in collagen synthesis but does not specifically target fatty acid protection.