Vitamins are among the most frequently asked topics in Science sections of competitive exams like UPSC, SSC CGL, CHSL, Railway, NEET, NDA, CDS, and State PSC exams. Questions related to vitamin deficiency diseases, sources, chemical names, solubility, and functions appear regularly in MCQ format.
To help aspirants revise this high-yield topic effectively, we have compiled 50 important MCQs on Vitamins with accurate answers, clear explanations, and smart memory tricks. These memory tricks are specially designed to boost retention and save time during exams.
Whether you’re preparing for Prelims, Tier-1 exams, or general science sections, this vitamin MCQ set will strengthen your fundamentals and improve your score.
1. Vitamin Basics & Classification
Q1: Which of the following is a fat-soluble vitamin?
a) Vitamin B1
b) Vitamin C
c) Vitamin D
d) Vitamin B12
Answer: c) Vitamin D
Explanation: Fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E, K (remember: “ADEK”). Water-soluble vitamins are B-complex and C.
Memory Trick: “A DEK” (like a deck of cards) – these vitamins are stored in fat (think: “fat deck”).
Q2: Deficiency of which vitamin causes Night Blindness?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin B1
c) Vitamin C
d) Vitamin D
Answer: a) Vitamin A
Explanation: Vitamin A is essential for rhodopsin in rods, needed for low-light vision.
Memory Trick: “A” for “After dark” – can’t see at night without it.
Q3: Which vitamin is also known as Ascorbic Acid?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin B12
c) Vitamin C
d) Vitamin D
Answer: c) Vitamin C
Explanation: Ascorbic acid prevents scurvy (scorbutus).
Memory Trick: “C” for Citrus (oranges, lemons) are rich in Vitamin C.
Q4: Which vitamin is synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin D
c) Vitamin E
d) Vitamin K
Answer: b) Vitamin D
Explanation: UVB rays convert 7-dehydrocholesterol to cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3).
Memory Trick: “D” for Daylight – sunshine vitamin.
Q5: Which vitamin is known as the “anti-sterility vitamin”?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin D
c) Vitamin E
d) Vitamin K
Answer: c) Vitamin E
Explanation: Vitamin E is essential for reproduction in rats; deficiency causes sterility.
Memory Trick: “E” for “Eggs” (reproduction) and also found in seeds.
6-10: Vitamin B Complex
Q6: Beriberi is caused by deficiency of:
a) Vitamin B1
b) Vitamin B2
c) Vitamin B6
d) Vitamin B12
Answer: a) Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Explanation: Thiamine deficiency affects nerves and heart.
Memory Trick: “B1 Beri1beri” – both have “1” in name.
Q7: Which vitamin deficiency causes Cheilosis (cracked lips) and Glossitis?
a) Riboflavin (B2)
b) Niacin (B3)
c) Pyridoxine (B6)
d) Folate (B9)
Answer: a) Riboflavin (B2)
Explanation: B2 deficiency causes oral lesions, sore throat, etc.
Memory Trick: “B2 Cracked Lips Too (2)” – think of two lips cracking.
Q8: Pellagra is characterized by “3 D’s” – Dermatitis, Diarrhea, Dementia – due to lack of:
a) Vitamin B1
b) Vitamin B3
c) Vitamin B6
d) Vitamin B12
Answer: b) Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Explanation: Niacin deficiency causes pellagra.
Memory Trick: “3 D’s for B3” – both have number 3.
Q9: Which vitamin is crucial for amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis?
a) Vitamin B5
b) Vitamin B6
c) Vitamin B7
d) Vitamin B9
Answer: b) Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Explanation: B6 is a cofactor for transaminases and decarboxylases.
Memory Trick: “B6 Mix” – it helps mix (metabolize) amino acids.
Q10: Megaloblastic anemia is caused by deficiency of:
a) Vitamin B6 and Iron
b) Vitamin B9 and B12
c) Vitamin C and Iron
d) Vitamin E and Folate
Answer: b) Vitamin B9 (Folate) and B12
Explanation: Both are needed for DNA synthesis in RBCs.
Memory Trick: “B9 + B12 = Big (Mega) Cells” – megaloblasts are large immature RBCs.
11-15: Vitamin Functions & Deficiencies
Q11: Which vitamin is essential for blood clotting?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin D
c) Vitamin E
d) Vitamin K
Answer: d) Vitamin K
Explanation: Vitamin K is needed for synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, X.
Memory Trick: “K for Koagulation” (German spelling).
Q12: Rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults are caused by deficiency of:
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin D
c) Calcium
d) Vitamin C
Answer: b) Vitamin D
Explanation: Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphate metabolism for bone health.
Memory Trick: “D for Decayed bones” – without it, bones soften.
Q13: Scurvy presents with bleeding gums and poor wound healing due to lack of:
a) Vitamin K
b) Vitamin C
c) Vitamin A
d) Vitamin B12
Answer: b) Vitamin C
Explanation: Vitamin C is needed for collagen synthesis.
Memory Trick: “C for Collagen” – without it, tissues fall apart like old ropes (scurvy in sailors).
Q14: Which vitamin acts as an antioxidant and protects cell membranes?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin D
c) Vitamin E
d) Vitamin K
Answer: c) Vitamin E
Explanation: Vitamin E (α-tocopherol) prevents lipid peroxidation.
Memory Trick: “E for Endurance” – protects cells from oxidative stress.
Q15: Nyctalopia (night blindness) and xerophthalmia are due to deficiency of:
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin D
c) Vitamin E
d) Vitamin K
Answer: a) Vitamin A
Explanation: Vitamin A maintains epithelial integrity and visual pigments.
Memory Trick: “A for Apple” (carrots) – “carrots help you see in the dark.”
16-20: Vitamin Sources
Q16: Which vitamin is abundant in citrus fruits?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin D
c) Vitamin C
d) Vitamin K
Answer: c) Vitamin C
Explanation: Oranges, lemons, amla are rich sources.
Memory Trick: “C for Citrus”.
Q17: Cod liver oil is a rich source of which two vitamins?
a) A and D
b) D and E
c) E and K
d) A and C
Answer: a) A and D
Explanation: Cod liver oil historically used to prevent rickets and night blindness.
Memory Trick: “AD in CoD liver oil” (AD like advertisement).
Q18: Which vitamin is synthesized by gut bacteria?
a) Vitamin B12
b) Vitamin K
c) Vitamin D
d) Vitamin C
Answer: b) Vitamin K
Explanation: Gut flora produce vitamin K2 (menaquinone).
Memory Trick: “K for Kitchen” – bacteria in gut “cook” vitamin K.
Q19: Strict vegans are at risk of deficiency of which vitamin?
a) Vitamin C
b) Vitamin B12
c) Vitamin A
d) Vitamin K
Answer: b) Vitamin B12
Explanation: B12 is found only in animal products.
Memory Trick: “B12 = Beef, Liver, Eggs” – all animal sources.
Q20: Which vitamin is found in high amounts in sunflower seeds and almonds?
a) Vitamin B1
b) Vitamin C
c) Vitamin E
d) Vitamin K
Answer: c) Vitamin E
Explanation: Nuts and seeds are rich in tocopherols.
Memory Trick: “E for Edible seeds”.
21-25: Biochemical Roles
Q21: Which vitamin is a component of coenzyme A?
a) Niacin
b) Riboflavin
c) Pantothenic acid (B5)
d) Biotin
Answer: c) Pantothenic acid (B5)
Explanation: CoA is essential for fatty acid metabolism.
Memory Trick: “Pantothenic = Pants (CoA) fit all metabolic reactions” – versatile cofactor.
Q22: Which vitamin is involved in one-carbon transfer reactions?
a) Folate (B9)
b) Thiamine (B1)
c) Pyridoxine (B6)
d) Cobalamin (B12)
Answer: a) Folate (B9)
Explanation: THF carries methyl, formyl groups for nucleotide synthesis.
Memory Trick: “Folate = Folio (paper) transfers one carbon”.
Q23: Intrinsic factor is required for absorption of:
a) Vitamin B6
b) Vitamin B9
c) Vitamin B12
d) Vitamin C
Answer: c) Vitamin B12
Explanation: IF binds B12 for ileal uptake; its lack causes pernicious anemia.
Memory Trick: “B12 needs Bodyguard (Intrinsic Factor)” to survive stomach acid.
Q24: Which vitamin is essential for carboxylation reactions (e.g., acetyl-CoA carboxylase)?
a) Biotin (B7)
b) Niacin (B3)
c) Riboflavin (B2)
d) Thiamine (B1)
Answer: a) Biotin (B7)
Explanation: Biotin is a cofactor for carboxylases.
Memory Trick: “Biotin adds CO2 (Bi-Carbonate)” – biotin, bicarbonate both start with “Bi”.
Q25: Which vitamin is part of NAD and NADP?
a) Thiamine
b) Riboflavin
c) Niacin
d) Pyridoxine
Answer: c) Niacin (B3)
Explanation: NAD+ and NADP+ are derived from niacin.
Memory Trick: “Niacin = NAD in” – literally in the name.
26-30: Deficiency Diseases
Q26: Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is due to deficiency of:
a) Vitamin B1
b) Vitamin B3
c) Vitamin B6
d) Vitamin B12
Answer: a) Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Explanation: Common in alcoholics; causes confusion, ataxia, memory loss.
Memory Trick: “Wernicke Whiskey” – alcohol depletes B1.
Q27: Which vitamin deficiency causes microcytic hypochromic anemia?
a) Vitamin B6
b) Vitamin B12
c) Folate
d) Vitamin C
Answer: a) Vitamin B6
Explanation: B6 is needed for heme synthesis; deficiency causes sideroblastic anemia (microcytic).
Memory Trick: “B6 Builds Heme” – without it, small pale RBCs.
Q28: Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn is prevented by administering:
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin D
c) Vitamin K
d) Vitamin C
Answer: c) Vitamin K
Explanation: Newborns have sterile gut and low vitamin K stores.
Memory Trick: “K for Kids” – given at birth.
Q29: Which vitamin deficiency leads to peripheral neuropathy and combined system disease?
a) Vitamin B1
b) Vitamin B6
c) Vitamin B12
d) Vitamin E
Answer: c) Vitamin B12
Explanation: B12 deficiency causes demyelination of nerves.
Memory Trick: “B12 for Brain and Backbone” – affects spinal cord and nerves.
Q30: Hyperkeratosis and follicular plugging of skin is seen in deficiency of:
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin C
c) Vitamin D
d) Vitamin K
Answer: a) Vitamin A
Explanation: Excess keratin blocks hair follicles.
Memory Trick: “A for Acne-like bumps” (but actually hyperkeratosis).
31-35: Toxicity & Hypervitaminosis
Q31: Hypervitaminosis of which vitamin causes teratogenic effects (birth defects)?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin D
c) Vitamin E
d) Vitamin K
Answer: a) Vitamin A
Explanation: Excess retinoic acid is teratogenic.
Memory Trick: “Too much A deforms the bAby”.
Q32: Which vitamin in excess can cause hypercalcemia and kidney stones?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin D
c) Vitamin C
d) Vitamin K
Answer: b) Vitamin D
Explanation: Vitamin D increases calcium absorption.
Memory Trick: “D for Deposits” – calcium deposits in kidneys.
Q33: High doses of which vitamin can cause neuropathy (nerve damage)?
a) Vitamin B1
b) Vitamin B6
c) Vitamin B12
d) Vitamin C
Answer: b) Vitamin B6
Explanation: Pyridoxine toxicity causes sensory neuropathy.
Memory Trick: “B6 Overdose Burns nerves” – like fire (pyro-).
Q34: Which vitamin is least likely to cause toxicity?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin D
c) Vitamin C
d) Vitamin E
Answer: c) Vitamin C
Explanation: Water-soluble; excess excreted, though very high doses can cause oxalate stones.
Memory Trick: “C is Clean” – easily washed out.
Q35: “Pseudotumor cerebri” (increased intracranial pressure) is seen in toxicity of:
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin D
c) Vitamin E
d) Vitamin K
Answer: a) Vitamin A
Explanation: Excess vitamin A can cause benign intracranial hypertension.
Memory Trick: “A for Aching head” – pressure inside skull.
36-40: Special Populations
Q36: Pregnant women require increased intake of which vitamin to prevent neural tube defects?
a) Vitamin B6
b) Vitamin B12
c) Folate
d) Vitamin C
Answer: c) Folate (B9)
Explanation: Folate is critical for neural tube closure in early pregnancy.
Memory Trick: “Folate for Fetus” – both start with F.
Q37: Elderly individuals with atrophic gastritis are at risk of deficiency of:
a) Vitamin B1
b) Vitamin B6
c) Vitamin B12
d) Vitamin C
Answer: c) Vitamin B12
Explanation: Reduced stomach acid decreases B12 release from food.
Memory Trick: “Old stomach can’t absorb B12” – common in elderly.
Q38: Newborns receive a single dose of which vitamin to prevent bleeding?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin D
c) Vitamin K
d) Vitamin C
Answer: c) Vitamin K
Explanation: As mentioned earlier – hemorrhagic disease prevention.
Memory Trick: “K shot for newborn” – standard practice.
Q39: Alcoholics are commonly deficient in which vitamin due to poor intake and absorption?
a) Vitamin B1
b) Vitamin B2
c) Vitamin B6
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Alcohol affects absorption and metabolism of multiple B vitamins.
Memory Trick: “Booze Burns B vitamins”.
Q40: Patients on long-term anticonvulsants may develop deficiency of:
a) Vitamin D
b) Vitamin K
c) Folate
d) All of these
Answer: d) All of these
Explanation: Anticonvulsants induce liver enzymes that degrade these vitamins.
Memory Trick: “Drugs Drain D, K, Folate”.
41-45: Miscellaneous
Q41: Which vitamin is known as “sunshine vitamin”?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin C
c) Vitamin D
d) Vitamin E
Answer: c) Vitamin D
Explanation: Synthesized in skin via sunlight.
Memory Trick: Already mentioned – “D for Daylight”.
Q42: Which vitamin is involved in hydroxylation of proline and lysine in collagen synthesis?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin C
c) Vitamin D
d) Vitamin K
Answer: b) Vitamin C
Explanation: Vitamin C is cofactor for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase.
Memory Trick: “C for Collagen construction”.
Q43: Which vitamin acts as a hormone?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin D
c) Vitamin E
d) Vitamin K
Answer: b) Vitamin D
Explanation: Calcitriol (active vitamin D) acts on nuclear receptors to regulate gene expression.
Memory Trick: “D is a hormone” – think “D” for “Dictates calcium levels”.
Q44: Which vitamin is required for γ-carboxylation of glutamate residues in clotting factors?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin D
c) Vitamin E
d) Vitamin K
Answer: d) Vitamin K
Explanation: Vitamin K is cofactor for γ-glutamyl carboxylase.
Memory Trick: “K for Klotting factor activation”.
Q45: Which vitamin deficiency is associated with “burning feet syndrome”?
a) Vitamin B1
b) Vitamin B5
c) Vitamin B6
d) Vitamin B12
Answer: b) Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)
Explanation: Rare but causes burning sensation in feet.
Memory Trick: “B5 Burning soles” – “5” sounds like “fire”.
46-50: Advanced & Clinical
Q46: Which vitamin can be synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan?
a) Niacin (B3)
b) Thiamine (B1)
c) Riboflavin (B2)
d) Biotin (B7)
Answer: a) Niacin (B3)
Explanation: 60 mg tryptophan → 1 mg niacin.
Memory Trick: “Tryp-to-niacin” – sounds like “trip to niacin”.
Q47: Which vitamin is structurally related to cholesterol?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin D
c) Vitamin E
d) Vitamin K
Answer: b) Vitamin D
Explanation: Vitamin D is derived from 7-dehydrocholesterol.
Memory Trick: “D from Cholesterol” – both are sterols.
Q48: Which vitamin deficiency leads to “maple syrup urine disease” like symptoms?
a) Thiamine (B1)
b) Riboflavin (B2)
c) Biotin (B7)
d) Vitamin B6
Answer: a) Thiamine (B1)
Explanation: Thiamine is cofactor for branched-chain ketoacid dehydrogenase; deficiency causes buildup of branched-chain amino acids.
Memory Trick: “B1 for Branched-chain breakdown”.
Q49: Which vitamin is used as an antidote for warfarin overdose?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin D
c) Vitamin E
d) Vitamin K
Answer: d) Vitamin K
Explanation: Warfarin inhibits vitamin K epoxide reductase; vitamin K administration reverses effect.
Memory Trick: “Warfarin fights with Vitamin K” – K is antidote.
Q50: Which vitamin is important for rhodopsin regeneration in the retina?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin C
c) Vitamin E
d) Vitamin K
Answer: a) Vitamin A
Explanation: Retinal combines with opsin to form rhodopsin.
Memory Trick: “A for Eye” – shape of “A” looks like an eye with a retina.
Summary of Memory Tricks:
- ADEK – fat-soluble vitamins.
- B1-Beri1beri – numbers match.
- B3 – 3 D’s of Pellagra.
- B9 + B12 = Big Cells.
- C for Citrus and Collagen.
- D for Daylight and Decayed bones.
- E for Eggs and Edible seeds.
- K for Koagulation and Kids (newborns).
Why This Vitamin MCQ Set Is Important?
- ✔ Based on Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
- ✔ Covers all essential vitamins (A, B-complex, C, D, E, K)
- ✔ Includes deficiency diseases & food sources
- ✔ Comes with golden memory tricks
- ✔ Perfect for quick revision & last-minute prep
FAQ 1: Why are vitamins important for competitive exams?
Answer: Vitamins are a high-scoring and repetitive topic in competitive exams. Questions are usually direct and factual, making them easy to attempt if revised properly. A good command over vitamin MCQs can help secure guaranteed marks in exams.
FAQ 2: Which vitamin is most frequently asked in exams?
Answer: Vitamins A, B1, B12, C, and D are most frequently asked. Questions often focus on:
- Deficiency diseases
- Chemical names
- Food sources
📌 Example:
Vitamin D → Rickets
Vitamin B1 → Beriberi
FAQ 3: Are memory tricks really helpful for remembering vitamins?
Answer: Yes, memory tricks are extremely effective, especially under exam pressure. They help in:
- Faster recall
- Avoiding confusion between similar vitamins
- Long-term retention
🧠 Example Memory Trick:
“A DEK” → Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
FAQ 4: Is this MCQ set useful for UPSC and SSC exams?
Answer: Absolutely. This set is designed keeping in mind:
- UPSC Prelims General Science
- SSC CGL / CHSL
- Railway NTPC & Group D
- State PSC & Police exams
The questions are concept-based yet exam-oriented.
FAQ 5: How should I study these 50 MCQs effectively?
Answer: Follow this smart strategy:
- Read the question carefully
- Understand the explanation
- Memorize the given memory trick
- Revise after 24 hours
This method ensures maximum retention with minimum effort.
Vitamins may look like a small topic, but they carry huge scoring potential in competitive exams. With these 50 MCQs on Vitamins, complete with answers, detailed explanations, and powerful memory tricks, you can revise the entire chapter quickly and confidently.
Make sure to practice regularly, revise memory tricks, and link deficiency diseases with real-life examples. If you master this topic, you’ll never fear vitamin-based questions again.
📌 Bookmark this page, revise before exams, and share with fellow aspirants!
More MCQs, memory tricks, and PYQ-based content coming soon 🚀