Question

Vitamin D can be synthesized from a precursor that the body makes from:

A) Cholesterol
B) Triglycerides
C) Amino acids
D) Glucose

Answer 1

Cholesterol serves as the precursor for the synthesis of vitamin D, which is converted to its active form, calcitriol, in the liver and kidneys and is essential for bone health.

Step-by-step explanation:

The precursor for vitamin D synthesis in the human body is cholesterol. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight, a form of vitamin D3 known as cholecalciferol is synthesized from a derivative of cholesterol in the skin. The liver then converts cholecalciferol to calcidiol, which is further converted to calcitriol (the active form of vitamin D) in the kidneys. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, essential for maintaining healthy bones.