**Question:** Absorption of vitamin A can be enhanced by giving the child a diet rich in -
A. Carrots
B. Spinach
C. Fish
D. Egg yolk
**Core Concept:** Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy vision, immune system function, and cell differentiation. It is obtained through diet, primarily from animal sources like liver, fish, and egg yolks, as well as from plant-based sources like carrots and spinach.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Vitamin A absorption can be enhanced by consuming a diet rich in animal sources like egg yolks (option D) because they contain retinol, a bioavailable form of vitamin A that is directly absorbed in the small intestine.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Carrots (option A) contain beta-carotene, a provitamin A compound that requires enzymatic conversion to retinol in the liver before being absorbed. While carrots are rich in beta-carotene, they are not as effective as animal sources in directly promoting vitamin A absorption.
B. Spinach (option B) also contains beta-carotene, similar to carrots, but its bioavailability is generally lower due to the presence of oxalates and phytates, which can bind with minerals and impair vitamin A absorption.
C. Fish (option C) contains retinol and can contribute to vitamin A absorption, but it is less specific than egg yolks as a sole source of vitamin A absorption enhancement.
**Clinical Pearl:** To ensure adequate vitamin A absorption in children, a balanced diet combining animal sources (e.g., egg yolks) with some plant-based sources (e.g., carrots) is recommended. This combination enhances the bioavailability of vitamin A, ensuring adequate intake for optimal health outcomes.
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