Fat soluble

Fat-soluble vitamins are a group of vitamins that are soluble in organic solvents and insoluble in water. They include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body's fat tissue and liver, and can stay in the body for days, even months.

Overview

Fat-soluble vitamins are essential for a variety of physiological functions. They are absorbed through the intestinal tract with the help of lipids (fats). Because they are more likely to accumulate in the body, they are more likely to lead to hypervitaminosis than are water-soluble vitamins.

Types of Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is important for normal vision, the immune system, and reproduction. It also helps the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs work properly.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, because it helps the body use calcium from the diet. It also has other roles in the body, including modulation of cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and reduction of inflammation.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. It also plays a role in immune function and metabolic processes.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting and also helps to regulate calcium levels in the blood.

Deficiency and Toxicity

Deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins are relatively rare, but can occur in people with fat malabsorption conditions. Toxicity, on the other hand, can occur with excessive consumption of these vitamins, particularly vitamins A and D.

See Also

• Vitamin
• Water-soluble vitamins
• Hypervitaminosis
• Vitamin deficiency

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