Fat and Water Soluble Vitamins - What Do I Need To Know?

Did you know that vitamins are actually of two different types? They can be classified into fat soluble and water soluble depending on how the body processes it.

While most people are unaware of this difference and for some it doesn't really matter it is however important to ensure that our bodies get the recommended daily allowance of each kind of Vitamin. Whether you get them through your diet or by consuming supplements is irrelevant as long as one maintains a healthy body and avoids vitamin deficiencies of any kind.

From a scientific point of view, the chemical composition of a fat soluble and water soluble vitamin is rather complex. But for most of us this difference remains transparent.

The important thing to remember here is that the body is able to store only fat soluble vitamins but not water soluble ones. The fat soluble vitamins which include vitamins A, D, E and K are absorbed through the large intestines.

But in order for this process to work smoothly dietary fat must also be present because if fat is not consumed along with the fat soluble vitamins it becomes difficult for the body to complete the absorption process.

Once they are absorbed these fat soluble vitamins get stored in the liver till it is time for them to carry out their respective functions.

Every vitamin has its own unique function to perform in the body. For example Vitamin K helps to metabolize food into energy and helps in the clotting of blood by supplying the seven essential blood clotting proteins. It also aides in bone growth.

Vitamin E protects fatty acids and prevents red blood cells from getting destroyed. It acts as an important antioxidant and defends Vitamins A and C in the body as well.

Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium as well as regulates the amount of calcium and phosphorous in the blood. If a body possesses sufficient amounts of Vitamin D, their bones won't suffer even if they don't have enough milk.

Vitamin A is essential for good vision. It helps to adjust ones vision to dim light and differentiate between the broad spectrum of colors. It boosts the body's immune system to fight against infections and also assists in tissue growth. There is a special protein called a 'Transport Protein' which helps the Vitamin A stored in the liver reach out the the tissues whenever required.

Water soluble vitamins like Vitamin B , Vitamin C and Vitamin H(Biotin) on the other hand are not stored in the body for long which is why they need to be replenished constantly. The excess ones are eliminated from the body through urine while the rest are responsible for processing crucial bodily functions.

The B Vitamins are crucial as they help in metabolizing proteins and fats. They also provide energy to the body when its converting glucose from carbohydrates.

Biotin or Vitamin H as it is commonly known helps to ensure proper growth of the body while Vitamin C acts as an important antioxidant. Both these vitamins benefit the body in other ways as well.

It is important for us to remain healthy so if we are not able to get the recommended daily allowance of vitamins from our diets, it would help to supplement it with a multivitamin.

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