What is the difference between water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins?
Vitamins are divided into two groups: water-soluble and fat-soluble. The water-soluble vitamins (C and B-complex) dissolve in water. They are easily taken up and released by body tissues. Because the body cannot store water-soluble vitamins, a daily supply is necessary. Vitamin B12 is an exception to this rule: if intake has been adequate, the liver maintains stores for several months. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) dissolve in dietary and body fat. They are absorbed from food along with the fat in the food we eat. Excess fat-soluble vitamins may be stored in the liver and body fat, so several weeks’ supply may be consumed in a single dose or meal.
There are two groups of vitamins, water-soluble and fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins (the 8 B vitamins and Vitamin C) can dissolve in water and be excreted by the kidneys. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored by the body (except for vitamin B12, which is stored in the liver). Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) dissolve in fat and are transported by fat in the body. Excess fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and fat tissue, and are not excreted by the kidney. Because of this storage, they can build up to toxic levels if too much is taken, especially vitamins A and D.
