Which vitamins are required in the diet?

Vitamins are essential organic compounds that our bodies require to function properly, and they are classified into two main categories: fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins. The correct answer, which identifies vitamins A, D, E, and K, represents the group of fat-soluble vitamins that are crucial for various physiological functions.

Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body’s fatty tissues and liver, allowing the body to access them when needed. Vitamin A is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. Vitamin D plays a critical role in calcium absorption and bone health. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage, while vitamin K is key for blood clotting and bone metabolism. All of these vitamins are required in the diet because the body cannot synthesize them in sufficient quantities.

While the other choices focus solely on water-soluble vitamins or combinations that do not encompass the complete scope of necessary vitamins, they fail to acknowledge the importance of fat-soluble vitamins, which are integral to proper health and development. Understanding both categories of vitamins helps emphasize the need for a balanced diet to ensure that the body functions optimally.