Can nutrients degrade over time?

Nutrients can degrade over time, and this degradation often results in a loss of effectiveness. Factors such as exposure to light, oxygen, moisture, and temperature can contribute to the breakdown of vitamins and other nutrients. For example, certain vitamins, such as vitamin C and some B vitamins, are particularly sensitive to heat and can degrade when exposed to high temperatures or prolonged cooking periods. Other nutrients may deteriorate even at room temperature if not stored properly.

Additionally, the processes of oxidation and hydrolysis can further accelerate the loss of nutrient content, particularly in food products that are not stored in airtight containers or that are exposed to air or light. This degradation can affect the nutritional value of foods over time, making it critical to store and handle food properly to preserve their nutrient content.

While it's true that some nutrients might be more stable than others and could potentially last longer under certain conditions, the general principle remains that nutrients, overall, can lose their effectiveness as time goes on. Therefore, option B captures the essence of how nutrients may degrade and become less effective if not managed correctly.