What mineral is vital for activating Vitamin A, and which food is a good source of it?

The mineral essential for activating Vitamin A is zinc. Zinc plays a critical role in converting beta-carotene, found in plant foods, into retinol, the active form of Vitamin A that our bodies can use. This activation process is vital for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health.

Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of zinc, containing a significant amount of this crucial mineral that supports various bodily functions, including the metabolism of Vitamin A. Other foods may contain zinc as well, but pumpkin seeds offer a convenient, nutrient-dense option that can easily be incorporated into a balanced diet.

In contrast, while the other minerals mentioned are important for various bodily functions—such as calcium for bone health, iron for oxygen transport in the blood, and selenium for antioxidant processes—they are not directly involved in the activation of Vitamin A. Therefore, the correct pairing of zinc and pumpkin seeds accurately highlights the relationship between a nutrient essential for Vitamin A activation and a good food source for that nutrient.