Vitamins

Fat-Soluble vs. Water-Soluble Vitamins: What Makes Them Different?

When you’re at the grocery or health store, you’ve probably come across supplement brands like Thorne Research at Supplement First with labels like “water-soluble” or “fat-soluble.” This may leave you wondering about what their differences are.

Let’s take a look at the two types of vitamins, how they differ, and when it’s best to take them. 

About Fat-Soluble Vitamins

As the name suggests, fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fat. Our body’s fat globules absorb fat-soluble vitamins, carrying them throughout our bloodstream.

There are four fat-soluble vitamins:

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin K

We can increase our intake of fat-soluble vitamins in high-fat food sources such as egg yolks, beef, fatty fish, liver, dairy products, and more. If we go over the recommended amount of fat-soluble vitamins, they won’t leave the body immediately. Rather, these vitamins will be stored in our fatty tissue or liver for later use. 

About Water-Soluble Vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins are those that dissolve in water, making them easy to absorb into our body tissue. It is also metabolized more quicker compared to fat-soluble vitamins.

Here are examples of fat-soluble vitamins:

  • Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12
  • Vitamin C

If you go over your recommended daily amount of water-soluble vitamins, they will be excreted through urination. Most of these vitamins can be found in fruits and vegetables.

The Difference Between Fat- and Water-Soluble Vitamins

The major difference between fat-and water-soluble vitamins is how our body absorbs them, along with how they act within. That said, there are other things to consider for these types of vitamins.

One benefit we can reap from water-soluble vitamins is that there is a lower chance of them building up in our bodies. Even if we consume large amounts of the vitamins from supplements like Vital Nutrients at Supplement First, the excess would exit the body after urinating. This will also mean that you must consume these vitamins consistently since they are used and excreted so quickly.

As for fat-soluble vitamins, they will not leave the body immediately. As mentioned, they will be stored in the body, particularly the liver and fatty tissue. This means excess amounts of the vitamin stay in the body, and this isn’t a good thing. That’s why it’s crucial to stick with the recommended guidelines.

Moreover, the instructions for taking fat- and water-soluble vitamins will differ. For water-soluble vitamins, there’s no need to take them with a meal, you can have them anytime you want with a glass of water. You can also take them with food if you prefer not to have vitamins on an empty stomach.

As for fat-soluble vitamins, you must take them alongside or after consuming a meal that contains fat. This is because fat-soluble vitamins depend on fat for better nutrient absorption. 

Wrapping It Up

Before taking any form of supplement, make sure you consult with a doctor to ensure you are getting the nutrients you need.

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