ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

Which vitamin supports the formation and maintenance of skin, hair, and mucous membranes?

1. Vitamin D

2. Pantothenic acid

3. Vitamin E

4. Carotene

The correct answer is: Carotene

The vitamin that supports the formation and maintenance of skin, hair, and mucous membranes is carotene, particularly beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes, as it plays a significant role in cellular integrity and regeneration. It promotes the production of epithelial cells, which help to ensure that skin and mucous membranes remain intact and function properly. Carotene, being a carotenoid, is also an antioxidant that can help protect the skin from oxidative stress, which can lead to premature aging and other skin issues. Furthermore, its role in vision and immune function also underscores its importance in overall skin health by contributing to general well-being. The other options, while they have their unique benefits, do not specifically focus on the formation and maintenance of skin, hair, and mucous membranes to the same extent as carotene does. For example, vitamin D primarily supports bone health and immune function, while pantothenic acid is involved in energy metabolism and the synthesis of hormones, and vitamin E is mainly known for its antioxidant properties that protect cell membranes. However, they do not directly contribute to skin and mucous membrane maintenance in the same targeted manner as carotene does.