Vitamin is an organic molecule that the body needs for growth and development. It is a micronutrient and is primarily acquired through food as it cannot be synthesized within an organism. There are many vitamins and they are classified into water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Read on to explore the differences between the two.
Difference Between Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Vitamins |
Water-Soluble Vitamins | Fat-Soluble Vitamins |
Meaning |
As the name states – vitamins that can dissolve in water are called water-soluble vitamins | Similarly, vitamins that dissolve in fat are called fat-soluble vitamins |
Example |
Vitamin B, C | Vitamin A, D, E, K |
Site of Absorption |
Small intestine | Small intestine |
Affinity to Water |
Hydrophilic | Hydrophobic |
How Body Handles Excess |
Excess vitamins are excreted by the kidney | Excess is stored in the body’s fatty tissues |
Transportation |
Travels freely in the bloodstream | Many vitamins require carriers (proteins) to travel in the blood |
Toxicity |
Low toxicity | Comparatively more toxic |
Deficiency |
Symptoms appear rather quickly | Symptoms take time to manifest |
Further Reading:
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FAQs
The four fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins are absorbed more easily by the body in the presence of dietary fat. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body. The nine water-soluble vitamins are vitamin C and all the B vitamins.
What are the differences between fat-soluble vitamin and water-soluble vitamin? ›
Vitamins play a vital role in many biochemical functions in the human body and are essential components for maintaining optimal health. There are two main groups of vitamins – fat-soluble (easily stored in fat upon absorption) and water-soluble (washed out and not easily stored).
What is the difference between water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins Quizlet? ›
The correct answer is a. One difference between water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins is that. This is because, as they are soluble in water, the body gets rid of them quicker if there are excess vitamins. In contrast, fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in the body.
What is the difference between fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins What happens when you consume too much of each? ›
Because our bodies are able to store fat-soluble vitamins, they are not as easily excreted as water-soluble vitamins. So, in general, it's a good idea to be careful not to take too much. However, it is difficult to get too much of fat-soluble vitamins through food alone.
What is the difference between fat-soluble and water-soluble drugs? ›
Lipid-soluble drugs pass the blood–brain barrier more readily [15] and should be more likely to cause adverse nervous system effects, such as disturbance of sleep, but the evidence for this is not very convincing. In contrast, water-soluble drugs are cleared more slowly from the body by the kidneys.
Why are water-soluble vitamins different? ›
Water-soluble vitamins are those that are dissolved in water and readily absorbed into tissues for immediate use. Any excess excess is quickly passed in urine. Because they are not stored in the body, water-soluble vitamins need to be replenished regularly through your diet.
What are water-soluble vitamins? ›
Water-soluble vitamins are carried to the body's tissues but are not stored in the body. They are found in many plant and animal foods and in dietary supplements and must be taken in daily. Vitamin C and members of the vitamin B complex are water-soluble.
How do water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins differ in which way toxicity? ›
The fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K, are stored in the body for long periods of time and generally pose a greater risk for toxicity than water-soluble vitamins when consumed in excess.
What is the function of fat-soluble vitamins? ›
The fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K. Fat-soluble vitamins play integral roles in a multitude of physiological processes such as vision, bone health, immune function, and coagulation.
Which of the following is an example of a fat-soluble vitamin? ›
Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble.
Based on current research, it usually takes 1-3 months of consistent supplementation to correct a vitamin deficiency. If you're severely deficient in a vitamin, it may take longer to restore optimal levels. Keep in mind, there isn't a catch-all answer for how long it takes vitamins to kick in.
Which vitamin is good for hair? ›
Ans: The best vitamins for a good hair care experience are Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E. They should be ably supported with other nutrients and minerals like Zinc, Biotin, Iron, and Keratin for the best results.
Which mineral should we not eat too much of? ›
Excessive doses of some minerals may also cause problems for example: At just 5 times the RDI, zinc, iron, chromium and selenium can be raised to toxic levels in the body. Large intakes of fluoride (especially in childhood) may stain, and even weaken, the teeth.
What is the difference between fat and water-soluble vitamins? ›
Water-soluble vitamins (mainly B and C) are dissolved in the water in your body. They are easily lost (ie through urine) and need to be replenished often. Fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins D, A, E, and K) are absorbed along with the fats you eat. They can be stored - so make sure you don't take too many through ...
How quickly do other drugs reach the bloodstream? ›
A pill is usually absorbed into the blood through the stomach walls after it is swallowed – these can become active in a few minutes but usually take an hour or two to reach the highest concentration in the blood. IV drugs are injected directly into the blood work much faster – sometimes in seconds or minutes.
Where are drugs stored in the body? ›
Some drugs are stored in the body's fat tissue, depending on a variety of factors. Fat-soluble drugs, specifically, concentrate in fatty tissues and dissolve in fat. Water-soluble drugs, in contrast, remain in the bloodstream instead of moving to fatty tissues.
How do water soluble and fat-soluble vitamins differ in which way toxicity? ›
The fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K, are stored in the body for long periods of time and generally pose a greater risk for toxicity than water-soluble vitamins when consumed in excess.
Can you take too much water-soluble vitamins? ›
But that doesn't mean that taking large amounts of water-soluble vitamins is always safe. The vitamins still have to make their way through the body and they may do damage along the way. For example, doses of vitamin C greater than 2000 mg/day can cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Is B12 a water or fat-soluble vitamin? ›
Introduction. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement and a prescription medication. Because vitamin B12 contains the mineral cobalt, compounds with vitamin B12 activity are collectively called cobalamins [1].
Is vitamin D water or fat-soluble? ›
Introduction. Vitamin D (also referred to as calciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in a few foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement.