The difference between water and fat soluble vitamins

There are 13 vitamins that are regarded as being essential for the body to function including vitamins A,C,D,E,K and the B group vitamins. These vitamins may be divided into two very different categories: Water soluble vitamins and fat soluble vitamins.

Water soluble vitamins are easily absorbed by the body and any excess amounts that are ingested are removed by the kidneys through the process of urination. Because the body does not store these vitamins in large amounts, they must be replaced on a daily basis. Water soluble vitamins include Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, vitamin C, Folic Acid, Biotin and Pantothenic Acid.

Fat soluble vitamins are absorbed into the body via bile ducts and are stored within fat tissues and the liver for up to six months. It is important not to ingest more than the daily recommended amounts of these vitamins as excess amounts are not expelled from the body. Fat soluble vitamins include Vitamin A, vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K.
Whilst the differences between water and fat soluble vitamins is clear, it’s important to ensure that you are obtaining sufficient levels of vitamins from both of these groups. Too little or too much of any of these important vitamins can have harmful effects.

You should never substitute qualified medical advice with information found in this article. The author does not give or purport to give any medical or healthcare advice and is not qualified to do so.

For more information about vitamins, visit Australia’s vitamin information website HealthyComparisons.com.au.

© Kristy Lee 2008