Difference between fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins


Medicine / Health
2023-04-30T12:10:57+00:00

Difference between fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins

Introduction

Vitamins are essential nutrients to maintain the health of the body. There are two types of vitamins: fat-soluble and water-soluble. In this article, we explain the difference between the two.

fat soluble vitamins

Fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fat and oil, so they are absorbed by the body together with fats. of food that we consume. These vitamins are:

  • Vitamin A: Necessary to maintain healthy vision, immune system and skin.
  • Vitamin D: Essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in our body, which strengthens our bones.
  • Vitamin E: It acts as an antioxidant and helps the body protect itself against damage caused by free radicals.
  • Vitamin K: Essential for normal blood clotting and bone health.

water soluble vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and are absorbed by our body through gastric juices. These vitamins are:

  • Vitamin C: It acts as an antioxidant and helps in the absorption of iron.
  • B complex vitamins: They are essential for the cellular metabolism and energy production. They include B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12.

Difference between fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins

The main difference between the two is that fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body, mainly in the adipose tissue, and can accumulate to toxic levels in our body if consumed in excess. On the other hand, water-soluble vitamins are soluble in water and therefore are not stored in the body and are excreted by urine if consumed in excess.

In summary:

  • Fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fat and are stored in the body, making them more prone to toxicity.
  • Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and are not stored in the body, making them less prone to toxicity.
  • Vitamins are essential to health and must be consumed in adequate quantities through foods and supplements.


In conclusion, both fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins are essential for the health of the human body. However, it is important to know the difference between both types of vitamins to ensure we consume them in adequate quantities and avoid toxic levels in our body.

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