Difference Between Fat and Water Soluble Vitamins

Many people wonder what the difference between a fat soluble vitamin and a water soluble vitamin is, and what the implications are for their nutrition. There is a big difference between these two types of vitamins, and how they are broken down and used by your body. Understanding both vitamin types will help you optimize your nutrition, so that your body has all the building blocks needed to stay fit and healthy. Part of the difference between these vitamin types is apparent, because one dissolves in lipids, or fats, and the other dissolves in water, and this has an effect on how well your body can use the vitamin to meet your physical needs. If you do not have enough fat in your diet, then vitamins which are fat soluble can not be utilized, and the same is true of vitamins that are water soluble if there is not an adequate amount of water in your diet.

The fat soluble vitamins are vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. They may also go by the name lipid soluble vitamins. These vitamins are stored in your body and are dissolved in the stored fat in your body. In turn, they are released when fat is broken down to access the vitamins or for other nutritional or energy needs. These vitamins are absorbed in your intestines, and are structurally related. Without these four vitamins, your body could not perform the critical job of repairing daily damage or help your organs function efficiently. Because they are stored in the fat, these vitamins can build up. Fish liver oil and essential omega 3 fatty acids are very rich in both vitamin D and vitamin A, and these vitamins can be stored in your liver until it is needed by your body. The good part about these vitamins is, they do not have to be consumed every single day because they can be stored until needed by your body.

There are a number of different water soluble vitamins, and these are all eight B vitamins and the sunshine vitamin, vitamin C. These vitamins are not stored in your body, and because of this you must eat these vitamins every single day to ensure your body has all the nutrients required for proper maintenance and function. Because these vitamins dissolve in water and are excreted through your urine every day, there isn’t any danger from a buildup in your body. However, they are required to be consumed daily. Your intestines will absorb these vitamins and they are then sent directly into your bloodstream, where they are used. Excess vitamins are then sent via the body’s urine or excretion process. The eight B vitamins are B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12.

Taking a high quality multivitamin every day can ensure that your body gets enough of every water soluble vitamin needed. Most people are advised to take a quality multivitamin as we don’t get enough of these priority vitamins in our diets. Eating a diet that is balanced and nutritious and contains adequate amounts of beneficial oils and fats will ensure that your body can use fat soluble vitamins efficiently and effectively. Many foods are fortified to help meet nutritional needs, and eating a wide variety of foods from all the food groups as well as taking a multivitamin each morning will make sure you get enough of both vitamin types. This will help you guarantee that you have everything you need to stay fit and healthy. Not having enough of either vitamin type can cause health problems, so make sure your diet is rich in nutrients and a variety of vitamins and phytochemicals. You should also make sure you have enough good fats in your diet and you drink plenty of water. This will let your body use the vitamins present very efficiently and get the most from them.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.