Water-Soluble vs. Fat-Soluble Vitamins

23 Nov.,2023

 

You’ve heard about them growing up, you’ve seen them on food packaging, and you’ve read about them in nutrition articles: Vitamins. You've probably heard common phrases like: "Take your vitamins,” “Contains vitamins and minerals,” and “Feeling sluggish? Make sure you’re getting these vitamins.”

Although they play an important role in your health and body functions, not all vitamins are created equal. Knowing which vitamins do what and which ones are water or fat-soluble will save you a bit of headache. 

Vitamins aren’t just little gummies shaped like cartoon characters. They’re found in the food you eat and help your body function. Vitamins are important for your body. A well-rounded diet makes sure your body has all the vitamins it needs to work well. 

Vitamins have several important functions, including: 

  • Strengthen your bones
  • Improve your vision
  • Heal your wounds
  • Give your body energy

There are two types of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble. This means that they live in the fat of your body or the water of your body. They act differently, and they function differently when your body needs them. 

Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed with the other fats from the food you eat. When they’re absorbed in this way, they go with the fats and are stored in your body’s fat tissue and liver. 

Fat-soluble vitamins can stay in your body for a while. When they’re stored in your body’s fat, they can be stored for up to 6 months until your body needs them. 

The primary fat-soluble vitamins in your diet are vitamins A, D, E, and K. Each one has its important function and can be found in a variety of food. 

Role of Vitamin A. Vitamin A has many important functions in your body: 

  • It strengthens your immune system.
  • It’s essential for your vision.
  • It supports reproductive functions
  • Vitamin A promotes cell growth and the maintenance of your organs.

Sources of Vitamin A. There are two types of vitamin A: One comes from animal products and the other from plant products. Vitamin A from plants requires a bit more work from your body, so you need to eat plenty of veggies to get enough vitamin A. 

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