Fat-soluble vitamins

Definition

Fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins that are absorbed along with fats in the diet and can be stored in the body's fatty tissue. They include vitamins A, D, E, and K.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and adipose tissues, which allows the body to maintain reserves for future use.
2. These vitamins require dietary fat for proper absorption within the digestive tract.
3. Overconsumption of fat-soluble vitamins can lead to toxicity because they are not readily excreted by the body.
4. Vitamin A is crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health; Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption and bone health.
5. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant protecting cells from damage, while Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting.

Review Questions

• What is the primary characteristic that differentiates fat-soluble vitamins from water-soluble vitamins?
• Why can fat-soluble vitamins lead to toxicity more easily than water-soluble vitamins?
• Which vitamin among the fat-soluble ones plays a key role in blood clotting?

Related terms

Water-Soluble Vitamins:

Vitamins that dissolve in water and are not stored in large amounts in the body.

Antioxidant: A molecule that inhibits oxidation and protects cells from free radicals.

Hypervitaminosis:

A condition caused by excessive intake of one or more vitamins leading to toxic symptoms.