Vitamins

Vitamins are essential compounds for normal metabolism that are not produced in the body. A lack of these compounds can result in different illnesses. Vitamins are classified into two groups based on solubility: water-soluble and fat-soluble.

Water-soluble vitamins, such as those in the B and C families, dissolve easily in water and are not stored in the body. They are also rarely accumulated in toxic concentrations. Excessive amounts of these vitamins are typically eliminated through urine. Since most of these vitamins are not stored in the body (except for cobalamin), it is crucial to consume them through food regularly.

Fat-soluble vitamins (K, D, A, and E) can dissolve in fat. Similar to water-soluble vitamins, these vitamins must be obtained through diet to maintain good health. After being absorbed by lipoproteins or specific binding proteins in the blood, fat-soluble vitamins are transported to tissues in the body. Disorders of bile secretion can lead to vitamin deficiencies.