Inadequate intake of vitamin A occurs in lower socioeconomic groups due to a lack of resources to purchase and consume vegetables and fruits.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Both the statement and the reason are correct and related. Inadequate intake of vitamin A in lower socioeconomic groups is due to a lack of resources to purchase and consume vegetables and fruits. This is supported by the fact that the average intake in the United States meets the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin A intake, except in lower socioeconomic groups. These individuals often lack the financial means to buy, prepare, and eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, leading to deficiencies. It's important to note that because vitamin A can be stored in the liver, most adults have sufficient quantities to maintain health. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the statement and reason are both accurate and logically connected, as the lack of resources directly impacts the ability to obtain necessary sources of vitamin A.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Vitamin D. Although vitamin D, also known as calciferol, has been called a vitamin, it is more appropriately classified as a hormone. Like hormones, vitamin D acts to control the function of other cell types. For example, it helps the body absorb and regulate skeletal calcium and phosphorus levels. Choice A (Vitamin A) plays a crucial role in vision and immune function. Choice B (Vitamin B) is a complex of different vitamins that play various roles in the body. Choice D (Vitamin C) is important for collagen production and acts as an antioxidant.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rickets is caused by vitamin D deficiency, not vitamin C deficiency. It usually occurs in children who are 1 to 3 years old. The name rickets came from the word 'wrikken,' meaning 'to bend or twist.' Common manifestations of rickets include tachetic deformities like bow legs or knock-knees, a narrow and distorted chest, and failure of the epiphyses of bones to develop normally, resulting in twisted and warped bones. While the diagnosis of rickets may be increasing in the United States, it is not caused by a lack of vitamin C.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Both statements are true. When rickets occurs, the alveolar bone is affected similar to other bones in the body, with the trabeculae of the alveolar bone also weakening. In addition to damaged alveolar bone caused by vitamin D deficiency, dental changes include delayed dentition and small molars. The other choices are incorrect because both statements provided are accurate based on the effects of rickets on the alveolar bone.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Calcium within saliva does not increase dental caries; in fact, the buffering action provided by calcium and phosphate in saliva inhibits caries formation by preventing the dissolution of enamel by plaque biofilm. Choice A is correct as saliva is indeed supersaturated with calcium. Choice B is correct as saliva serves as a source of calcium to mineralize an immature or demineralized enamel surface. Choice C is correct as calcium and phosphate in saliva do provide a buffering action to protect teeth from acids.