Which vitamin is described as an antioxidant protecting red blood cells?

Which vitamin is described as an antioxidant protecting red blood cells?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin D
• C. Vitamin E
• D. Vitamin K

Answer: (C)

Antioxidants guard cells from damage caused by free radicals, and red blood cells are especially affected because their membranes are rich in fats and constantly exposed to oxygen. Vitamin E is the fat-soluble antioxidant that sits in cell membranes and donates electrons to neutralize free radicals, effectively stopping lipid peroxidation and protecting the integrity of red blood cell membranes. That protective role in red blood cells is why it’s described as an antioxidant protecting them. The other vitamins have important functions—A supports vision and immunity, D helps regulate calcium and bone health, and K is essential for blood clotting—but they are not primarily known for protecting red blood cell membranes from oxidative damage.

Antioxidants guard cells from damage caused by free radicals, and red blood cells are especially affected because their membranes are rich in fats and constantly exposed to oxygen. Vitamin E is the fat-soluble antioxidant that sits in cell membranes and donates electrons to neutralize free radicals, effectively stopping lipid peroxidation and protecting the integrity of red blood cell membranes. That protective role in red blood cells is why it’s described as an antioxidant protecting them. The other vitamins have important functions—A supports vision and immunity, D helps regulate calcium and bone health, and K is essential for blood clotting—but they are not primarily known for protecting red blood cell membranes from oxidative damage.