Question

Antisterility vitamin is
(a) Vitamin E
(b) Vitamin D
(c) Vitamin A
(d) Vitamin $B_{12}$

Answer 1

Hint: This vitamin is widely known as a powerful lipid-soluble antioxidant originally referred to as an anti sterility factor.

Complete answer:
Vitamin E is an anti sterility vitamin. Vitamin E consists of eight naturally occurring tocopherols, of which α-tocopherol is the most common. The primary function of vitamin E is as an antioxidant in the prevention of the nonenzymatic oxidation of cell components by molecular oxygen and free radicals. The mechanism of action of vitamin E remains obscure. Also, vitamin E is important for the reproductive health of both men and women, along with the cardiovascular, brain, and nervous system health and function. Studies in women are indicative that vitamin E can increase cervical mucus, making it easier for sperm to stay alive for longer. Also, taking a vitamin E supplement could increase a couple's chances of conception.

Additional Information:
Sources of vitamin E: Vitamin E is available in many foods and plants, ranging from edible oils to nuts. Some include wheat, rice bran, barley, oat, coconut, palm, and annatto. Other sources include rye, amaranth, walnut, hazelnut, poppy, safflower, maize, and the seeds of grape and pumpkins. Vitamin E derivatives have also been detected in human milk and palm dates. Among the many sources of vitamin E, rice bran, palm oil, and annatto oil have been described as the richest sources.

So, the correct answer is ‘Vitamin E’.

Note: Vitamin E was first discovered by Evans and Bishop in 1922, and it was initially denoted as an “anti-sterility factor X” that was necessary for reproduction. The word tocopherol comes from the Greek words tokos (“offspring”) and pheros (“to bear”).