Which mineral activates Vitamin A and in which food can one obtain a therapeutic amount of it?

• A. Copper - Apricots
• B. Zinc - Pumpkin Seeds
• C. Chromium - Onions
• D. Salt - Celery

Answer: (B)

Zinc is the mineral that activates Vitamin A because it acts as a cofactor for the enzymes that convert dietary vitamin A into active forms and for the production of retinol-binding protein that transports vitamin A in the bloodstream. Without sufficient zinc, vitamin A cannot be properly activated and mobilized to tissues, which can impact vision and other functions. Pumpkin seeds are a strong dietary source of zinc, providing a therapeutic amount to support this activation process. Copper, while important in many enzymes, does not play the same activating role for vitamin A. Apricots may supply vitamin A precursors but don’t deliver the zinc cofactor needed here, and onions, salt, or celery aren’t notable zinc sources for activating vitamin A.