While you may know that vitamins are an essential part to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, do you know the difference between fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins? Some vitamins (water-soluble) are okay to take a lot of, and if you take too many of them, your body will naturally get rid of them. However, other vitamins (fat-soluble), are ones that you have to be careful with how many you take. Let’s take a look at the differences between the two.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Examples: Vitamins A, D, E, K

These vitamins are soluble in lipids, or fats. These are absorbed in your fat and then travel through your system into the small intestines, then into the general blood circulation of your body. They are then stored in body tissue, especially A and E. Once they’re stored there, they tend to stay there. This is why when a person takes too much of a fat-soluble vitamin, they can have too much of it present in their body over time. This is potentially dangerous, and is called hypervitaminosis.

Water-Soluble Vitamins

Examples: Vitamins B and C

When there is an excess of these vitamins in your body, it simply passes through your body. It can safely be excreted from your body simply through urine. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water, so they quickly dissolve in your body. These vitamins are also carried to the body’s tissues, but the body cannot store them. Because they are needed by our bodies, we need to make sure that we are intaking them on a regular basis.

Here are some important water-soluble vitamins, and what they do:

Vitamin C: Strong antioxidant known for strengthening the immune system

Vitamin B1: Converts food into energy

Vitamin B2: Essential to the creation of red blood cells and cell growth

Vitamin B3: Maintains cardiovascular health

Vitamin B5: Supports metabolism and helps converts food into energy

Vitamin B6: Supports healthy brain function and reduces risk of cardiovascular disease

Biotin: Also known as B7, promotes healthy skin, hair and nails

Vitamin B9: Essential in development of a healthy central nervous system

Vitamin B12: Helps nerve function and development

Stop by Chamber’s Apothecary today to talk with a professional and find out what vitamins are the best for you!