Which of the following statements best explains the naming of vitamins (A, B₁, B₂, C, D, E, K, etc.)?

• A. Vitamin names were assigned based on their molecular weight and function.
• B. Vitamins were named alphabetically based on the first letter of the food in which they were found.
• C. Vitamins were generally named in the order they were discovered, but some letters & numbers were discarded or reassigned over time.
• D. Vitamin letters and numbers were originally assigned in order of how much we need to consume.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the historical context of vitamin discovery: Vitamins were discovered over time as scientists identified essential nutrients required for human health.
2. Recognize that vitamins were named alphabetically in the order of their discovery, starting with Vitamin A. However, not all letters were used, and some were reassigned or discarded as new information emerged.
3. Note that the naming system does not correspond to molecular weight, function, or the first letter of the food in which they were found. These are common misconceptions.
4. Acknowledge that the naming system also does not reflect the quantity of the vitamin required by the body. Instead, it is based on the sequence of discovery and subsequent scientific understanding.
5. Conclude that the correct explanation is: 'Vitamins were generally named in the order they were discovered, but some letters and numbers were discarded or reassigned over time.' This reflects the historical and scientific process of vitamin classification.