Classification is based on solubility
-Water-soluble vitamins
-Fat-soluble vitamins
Characteristics of fat-soluble vitamins
-Dissolve in lipids
-Stored in tissues
-Require bile for absorption
-May be toxic in excess
Fat soluble vitamins can be stored in body -regular supply not needed. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and fatty tissues. Water-soluble vitamins travel into the blood and stored in water-filled parts of body, e.g.; kidney
Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat soluble. Their absorption from the intestinal tract is associated with that of lipids, and a deficiency state may be caused by conditions that impair fat absorption. Fat soluble vitamins can accumulate to toxic levels if large amounts ingested.
Vitamin A
Also known as retinol, retinal, retinoic acid. Vitamin A is involved in vision, growth, reproduction, healthy skin, regulate immune system, and tissue differentiation.
Vitamin D
Functions: Hormone-like, mineralization of bones, cell metabolism
Vitamin E
Vitamin E functions:
-Fat-soluble antioxidant
-Protects cell membranes in body tissues and blood
-Participates in immune system
Vitamin K
Vit K functions
-Blood Clotting
-Bone formation
Fat-soluble vitamins
