Question

which statement accurately describes water - soluble vitamins?
o a. they are absorbed quickly into the blood.
o b. their transport may require transport proteins.
o c. they are likely to reach toxic levels when consumed in supplements.
o d. they are needed in periodic doses, perhaps weekly or monthly.

Explanation:

To determine the correct statement about water - soluble vitamins:

• Option a: Water - soluble vitamins (like B - complex and vitamin C) are absorbed quickly into the bloodstream from the digestive tract because they can dissolve in water - based body fluids.
• Option b: Lipid - soluble vitamins often require transport proteins (like lipoproteins) for their transport in the body. Water - soluble vitamins are usually transported freely in the blood, so this is incorrect.
• Option c: Since water - soluble vitamins are not stored in large amounts in the body (they are excreted in urine when in excess), they are less likely to reach toxic levels from supplements compared to lipid - soluble vitamins. So this is incorrect.
• Option d: Water - soluble vitamins need to be consumed more frequently (e.g., daily for some B vitamins) as they are not stored. The description of "periodic does, perhaps weekly or monthly" is more characteristic of lipid - soluble vitamins which can be stored in the body. So this is incorrect.

Answer:

a. They are absorbed quickly into the blood.