Water soluble vitamins and fat soluble vitamins, what's the difference?

Vitamins are one of the nutrients needed by the body in order to function optimally. There are six vitamins that are needed by the body, namely A, B, C, D, E, and K. Each of these vitamins is classified into two different groups: water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins.

Vitamins B and C are water soluble vitamins. Meanwhile, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K are included as fat-soluble vitamins. Both of these groups of vitamins need to be consumed in appropriate amounts. So, what is the difference between water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins?

What are the differences between water soluble vitamins and fat soluble vitamins?

In terms of the solvent

From the name alone, you may be able to tell that the solvents of these two groups of vitamins are different. However, why do vitamins have to be dissolved in the body? Without being dissolved, the vitamins that enter cannot be used by the body properly. Different types of solvents process vitamins in different ways, so you can experience the benefits of the vitamins.

Fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are types of vitamins that are processed with fat. After entering the digestive system, these vitamins will pass through the lymphatic system to then be circulated in the bloodstream. If there is less fat in the body, the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K will be disturbed.

Meanwhile, water soluble vitamins are types of vitamins that are processed with water. This type of vitamin is processed more easily in the body. The body will immediately absorb vitamins B and C into the bloodstream. Furthermore, this vitamin immediately circulates freely in the bloodstream.

How to store

Once absorbed in the body, vitamins A, D, E, and subsequently will be stored in fat cells and liver. This vitamin can be stored for a long time, as a supply for the body to use if needed later.

On the other hand, water soluble vitamins cannot be stored in the body. Therefore, it is easier for the body to become deficient in water-soluble vitamins because the body is unable to store its reserves. Water soluble vitamin "stocks" need to be replaced daily from dietary intake or vitamin supplements to prevent deficiency.

The way it is removed from the body

Very few fat soluble vitamins are excreted from the body. This type of vitamin is stored in the fat and liver as a reserve, when it is needed later.

These properties are very different from water soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins circulate very freely in the bloodstream, so they can be excreted more easily. This vitamin is excreted by the body through filtering in the kidneys. The kidneys will then distribute the remaining excess vitamins with urine.

Toxic properties

Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body for a long time. If you continue to consume too much, the levels can build up and harm the body. Excess of this vitamin can have toxic or toxic effects. Excess vitamin A, for example, can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, stomach pain, irritation and vision problems, dry mouth, pain and / or weak bones, and anorexia.

On the other hand, it is very rare for an excess of water-soluble vitamins to end up causing harm. Because, any excess water-soluble type of vitamin will be immediately excreted through urine and sweat with the help of the kidneys. The body is also less likely to accumulate large amounts of water soluble vitamins.