Which of the following vitamins is likely to be essential for normal fatty acid metabolism?

Vitamin E plays a significant role in the metabolism of fatty acids, primarily due to its function as an antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage. In the context of fatty acid metabolism, Vitamin E helps to prevent the peroxidation of lipids, which can occur during the oxidation of fatty acids. By safeguarding the integrity of the cell membranes and mitochondrial structures, Vitamin E ensures that the processes involved in the catabolism of fatty acids can occur efficiently.

Furthermore, while other vitamins are crucial for various metabolic processes, they do not directly link to fatty acid metabolism in the same way as Vitamin E. For instance, Vitamin C is primarily known for its role in collagen synthesis and immune function, Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA synthesis and the metabolism of some amino acids and fatty acids but does not act directly in fatty acid metabolism, and Vitamin A is critical for vision and immune function rather than directly impacting fatty acid catabolism. Thus, Vitamin E's distinctive role as an antioxidant is vital for maintaining optimal fatty acid metabolism.