Which nutrient helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins?

The correct selection is based on the role of dietary fat in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins, which include vitamins A, D, E, and K, require fat to be effectively absorbed through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. When dietary fat is consumed alongside these vitamins, it enhances their bioavailability, allowing the body to utilize them properly.

Dietary fat is crucial because it creates an environment conducive to the solubility of these vitamins. The process typically involves the emulsification of fats, which increases the surface area for digestive enzymes to act, ultimately leading to better absorption.

Other nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, and fiber do not have the same direct role in this process. While they are important for overall health and nutrition, they do not influence the absorption mechanism of fat-soluble vitamins. For example, protein is involved in building and repairing tissues, carbohydrates serve as the body's primary energy source, and fiber is essential for digestive health, but none of these functions facilitate the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins directly.