Which of the following vitamins is water-soluble and acts as a crucial antioxidant necessary for collagen synthesis and wound healing in humans?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Vitamin C, scientifically known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for the hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues in collagen formation, supporting connective tissues, blood vessels, and wound repair. Its deficiency leads to scurvy, characterized by bleeding gums and joint pain. Vitamins A, D, and K are fat-soluble vitamins stored in body tissues rather than excreted rapidly in urine. Citrus fruits and fresh vegetables are rich dietary sources of ascorbic acid.