ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

Which vitamin helps release energy from fats and vegetables?

1. Vitamin D

2. Pantothenic acid

3. Vitamin E

4. Carotene

The correct answer is: Pantothenic acid

Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, plays a crucial role in energy metabolism, particularly in the conversion of fats and carbohydrates into energy. It is a component of coenzyme A, which is essential for fatty acid metabolism. This vitamin facilitates the breakdown of fats, allowing the body to utilize them as a source of energy. In addition to fats, pantothenic acid also plays a part in the metabolism of proteins and some carbohydrates, making it a vital nutrient for overall energy production. While the other options have their own important functions in the body, they do not specifically contribute to the release of energy from fats and vegetables in the same direct manner as pantothenic acid. For instance, vitamin D is primarily involved in calcium absorption and bone health, vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that protects cells from damage, and carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A, focuses more on vision and immune function rather than energy metabolism. This distinction clarifies why pantothenic acid is the correct choice for this question.