Difference Between Fat Soluble and Water Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin is an organic molecule that the body needs for growth and development. It is a micronutrient and is primarily acquired through food as it cannot be synthesized within an organism. There are many vitamins and they are classified into water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Read on to explore the differences between the two.

Difference Between Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Water-Soluble Vitamins

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Meaning

As the name states – vitamins that can dissolve in water are called water-soluble vitamins

Similarly, vitamins that dissolve in fat are called fat-soluble vitamins

Example

Vitamin B, C

Vitamin A, D, E, K

Site of Absorption

Small intestine

Small intestine

Affinity to Water

Hydrophilic

Hydrophobic

How Body Handles Excess

Excess vitamins are excreted by the kidney

Excess is stored in the body’s fatty tissues

Transportation

Travels freely in the bloodstream

Many vitamins require carriers (proteins) to travel in the blood

Toxicity

Low toxicity

Comparatively more toxic

Deficiency

Symptoms appear rather quickly

Symptoms take time to manifest

Further Reading:

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