Which vitamin is described as a prohormone for calcium and phosphorus and is heat-stable?

Which vitamin is described as a prohormone for calcium and phosphorus and is heat-stable?

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

Answer: (B)

Calcium and phosphorus balance is controlled by a substance that acts as a precursor to a hormone. Vitamin D is described as a prohormone because it is converted in the body to calcitriol, the active hormone that increases calcium and phosphate absorption from the gut, helps reabsorb these minerals in the kidneys, and supports bone mineralization. Its heat-stable nature means cooking and heat exposure don’t easily destroy it, so foods retain vitamin D better than some other nutrients. Vitamin D is fat-soluble and can be produced in the skin with sunlight or obtained from foods like fatty fish and fortified dairy. Other vitamins have different primary roles—Vitamin A in vision and gene regulation, Vitamin E as an antioxidant, and Vitamin K in blood clotting and some bone processes—so they don’t serve as the body’s prohormone for calcium and phosphorus.

Calcium and phosphorus balance is controlled by a substance that acts as a precursor to a hormone. Vitamin D is described as a prohormone because it is converted in the body to calcitriol, the active hormone that increases calcium and phosphate absorption from the gut, helps reabsorb these minerals in the kidneys, and supports bone mineralization. Its heat-stable nature means cooking and heat exposure don’t easily destroy it, so foods retain vitamin D better than some other nutrients. Vitamin D is fat-soluble and can be produced in the skin with sunlight or obtained from foods like fatty fish and fortified dairy. Other vitamins have different primary roles—Vitamin A in vision and gene regulation, Vitamin E as an antioxidant, and Vitamin K in blood clotting and some bone processes—so they don’t serve as the body’s prohormone for calcium and phosphorus.