Goblet cells primarily utilize which vitamin to produce mucous?

• A. Vitamin B12
• B. Vitamin C
• C. Vitamin A
• D. Vitamin D

Answer: (C)

Vitamin A is essential for goblet cell function and mucin production on the ocular surface. Retinoic acid, derived from Vitamin A, regulates goblet cell differentiation and stimulates mucin gene expression (such as MUC5AC), enabling goblet cells to secrete the mucus layer that coats the conjunctiva and stabilizes the tear film. When Vitamin A is deficient, goblet cells can become sparse or keratinized, mucin production declines, and the ocular surface dries and irritates. This is why Vitamin A is the nutrient tied to goblet cell–mediated mucous production. The other vitamins do not have this direct role in goblet cell mucin synthesis.