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General Science›Ch 3: Biology›Nutrition, Vitamins and Minerals

3.11

Nutrition, Vitamins and Minerals

5 min

Master essential nutrients and their deficiency diseases for competitive exams

1

Golden Rule of Nutrition

Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that regulate metabolism and prevent deficiency diseases, while macronutrients provide energy.

2

Why This Topic Matters

  • Guarantees 1-2 direct questions in SSC, Railway, and Defence exams.
  • Core base for understanding human biology and nutritional disorders.
  • High scoring area with straightforward chemical name and deficiency matches.

Smart Memory Hooks

  • Vitamin Solubility: 'KEAD' are Fat-soluble, 'BC' are Water-soluble.
  • Scurvy starts with C: Vitamin C deficiency causes bleeding gums.
  • Iron + Blood: Iron deficiency directly leads to Anaemia.
3

Key Vitamins & Minerals Matrix

NutrientSourceDeficiency Disease
Vitamin ACarrot, MilkNight Blindness
Vitamin CCitrus fruitsScurvy
Vitamin DSunlight, FishRickets
IodineIodized saltGoitre
4

Visual Nutrient Guide

Vitamin B12

(Cobalt containing)

Vitamin B12: Cobalt containing

Cobalt containing

Essential for red blood cell formation and nervous system.

Vitamin K

(Blood clotting factor)

Vitamin K: Blood clotting factor

Blood clotting factor

Helps in quick coagulation of blood during injuries.

Calcium

(Strong bones & teeth)

Calcium: Strong bones & teeth

Strong bones & teeth

Found abundantly in milk and dairy products.

Vitamin E

(Beauty and fertility)

Vitamin E: Beauty and fertility

Beauty and fertility

Acts as an antioxidant protecting cell membranes.

5

Common Exam Traps

Vitamin C can be stored in the bodyVitamin C is excreted through urine

Water-soluble vitamins cannot be stored long-term and wash out daily.

Sunlight directly gives Vitamin DSunlight activates Vitamin D in skin

UV rays convert cholesterol in skin into active Vitamin D.

All vitamins provide direct caloriesVitamins provide zero calories

They only regulate body chemistry, not act as fuel sources.

6

Quick Exam Check

Q1.Which vitamin deficiency causes Scurvy?

Q2.Goitre is caused by the deficiency of which mineral?

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