Difference Between Fat-Soluble Vitamins and Water-Soluble Vitamins
Main difference
fat soluble vitamins
The vitamins that can be stored in our human body are called fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fat and are stored in the liver and fatty tissues until needed. Fat-soluble vitamins, except for vitamin K, cannot be easily excreted from the body, so they are toxic if taken in excessive amounts. The absorption of these vitamins is totally dependent on efficient fat intake and absorption. In healthy individuals, eating a normal, healthy diet will not lead to toxicity of these vitamins. Vitamin A, also known as retinol, helps the eyes adjust to changes in light. Vitamin A also plays a role in bone growth, reproduction, regulation of the immune system and cell division. Vitamin D can be obtained through sunlight and helps in the absorption of calcium from the small intestine which is then absorbed into our bones making them stronger. Vitamin D in children is essential for the development of stronger bones and healthy teeth. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that protects vitamin A and C, red blood cells, and essential fatty acids from destruction. Vitamin K is produced by bacteria that are present in our gut, it helps in normal blood clotting, protein production for blood, bones, kidneys, and promotes bone health. Vitamin D can be obtained through sunlight and helps in the absorption of calcium from the small intestine which is then absorbed into our bones making them stronger. Vitamin D in children is essential for the development of stronger bones and healthy teeth. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that protects vitamin A and C, red blood cells, and essential fatty acids from destruction. Vitamin K is produced by bacteria that are present in our gut, it helps in normal blood clotting, protein production for blood, bones, kidneys, and promotes bone health. Vitamin D can be obtained through sunlight and helps in the absorption of calcium from the small intestine which is then absorbed into our bones making them stronger. Vitamin D in children is essential for the development of stronger bones and healthy teeth. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that protects vitamin A and C, red blood cells, and essential fatty acids from destruction. Vitamin K is produced by bacteria that are present in our gut, it helps in normal blood clotting, protein production for blood, bones, kidneys, and promotes bone health. red blood cells and essential fatty acids of destruction. Vitamin K is produced by bacteria that are present in our gut, it helps in normal blood clotting, protein production for blood, bones, kidneys, and promotes bone health. red blood cells and essential fatty acids of destruction. Vitamin K is produced by bacteria that are present in our gut, it helps in normal blood clotting, protein production for blood, bones, kidneys, and promotes bone health.
water soluble vitamins
Vitamins that cannot be stored in our body are called water-soluble vitamins. Vitamin B complex and vitamin C are water-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and are excreted in the urine. Therefore, we need a continuous daily supplementation of these vitamins in our diet. The vitamin B complex is divided into eight groups: vitamin B1 or thiamin is important for maintaining our nervous system, it also helps release energy from food and promotes normal appetite. Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin promotes good vision and healthy skin. Vitamin B3 or niacin helps in the normal functioning of enzymes, promotes healthy skin, appetite and normal nerves. Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine helps in protein metabolism and red blood cell formation. Folic acid promotes the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 or cobalamin helps build genetic material. Biotin helps in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Pantothenic acid helps in the formation of hormones. And finally, vitamin C or ascorbic acid, helps in the formation of collagen, a connective tissue that holds muscles, bones and tissues together. It also helps in wound healing, maintenance of the nervous system, and iron absorption. Pantothenic acid helps in the formation of hormones. And finally, vitamin C or ascorbic acid, helps in the formation of collagen, a connective tissue that holds muscles, bones and tissues together. It also helps in wound healing, maintenance of the nervous system, and iron absorption. Pantothenic acid helps in the formation of hormones. And finally, vitamin C or ascorbic acid, helps in the formation of collagen, a connective tissue that holds muscles, bones and tissues together. It also helps in wound healing, maintenance of the nervous system, and iron absorption.
Key differences
- Fat soluble vitamins can be stored in our body while water soluble vitamins cannot be stored in our body.
- Fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fat and are stored in the liver and fatty tissues, while water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and are excreted in the urine.
- Vitamin A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins, and vitamin B complex and vitamin C are water-soluble vitamins.
- Fat-soluble vitamins are toxic if taken in excessive amounts, while water-soluble vitamins are not toxic if taken in large amounts.
- Fat-soluble vitamins can be taken in a single large dose, while water-soluble vitamins are required on a daily basis.
