Difference between water soluble and fat soluble vitamins

BIOCHEMISTRY 3(2+1)
Lesson 29 : The Role of Vitamins & Minerals in Metabolism

Difference between water soluble and fat soluble vitamins

The table summarizes the differences between the water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins.



Water-Soluble Vitamins: B Vitamins and Vitamin C

Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Vitamins A, D, E, and K

Absorption

Directly into the blood

First into the lymph, then the blood

Transport

Travel freely

Many require protein carriers

Storage

Circulate freely in water-filled parts of the body

Stored in the cells associated with fat

Excretion

Kidneys detect and remove excess in urine

Less readily excreted; tend to remain in fat-storage sites

Toxicity

Possible to reach toxic levels when consumed from supplements

Likely to reach toxic levels when consumed from supplements

Requirements

Needed in frequent doses (perhaps 1 to 3 days)

Needed in periodic doses (perhaps weeks or even months)

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Last modified: Tuesday, 24 January 2012, 11:14 AM