Human Nutrition 3(3+0)

Lesson 19 : Vitamins

Fat-soluble vitamins

• The fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E and K - since they are soluble in fat. They are absorbed by the body from the intestinal tract.
• The human body has to use bile acids to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Once these vitamins are absorbed, the body stores them in body fat. When required, the body takes them out of storage.
• Not eating fats/oils or eating fats or oils that are not digested can cause shortage/deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins. These vitamins are not lost on cooking.
• Fat soluble vitamins should not be consumed in excess as they are stored in the body and an excess can result in side effects/toxicity.
• An excess of vitamin A may result in irritability, weight loss, dry itchy skin in children and nausea, headache, diarrhea in adults.