Difference Between Fat Soluble and Water Soluble Vitamins

There are many biochemical compounds needed for the growth and development of human Physiology. One of the most important sets of compounds required for the development and maintenance of various Physiological functions is Vitamins. Vitamins are specific Organic Compounds needed in a very small amount. It is either produced in the human body or collected from various nutritional sources. 

The Vitamins required for the management of different biological processes can be differentiated into Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble segments. You have been studying Fat Soluble and Water Soluble Vitamins in the earlier Classes. This time, you need to understand the differences elaborately to grab hold of the concept well.

The experts of Vedantu have come up with a unique idea to make it easier for students like you to understand the difference between these two types of Vitamins. They have separated and tabulated all the differences in such a way that the students can easily figure out and prepare the Chapter. These points are segregated in terms of source, functions, and nature of the Vitamins.  Carry on reading this section to find out the difference between Fat Soluble Vitamins and Water Soluble Vitamins.

What are Water Soluble and Fat Soluble Vitamins?

As per the expert teachers, a student first should understand the meaning and definition of Vitamins before differentiating them. These are complex organic molecules produced inside the human body or availed from different food sources required for the growth, development, and maintenance of various physiological functions. Each Vitamin has different roles to play. The mode of action also varies. In a broader sense, these Vitamins can be divided into two parts as per their chemical nature.

Water-Soluble Vitamins, as you can easily figure out, are hydrophilic in nature. The Vitamins falling in this category are Vitamin B and Vitamin C. All these Vitamins are absorbed in the small intestine. Due to their affinity to Water, these Vitamins get easily dissolved in Water and absorbed in the digestive system. The circulatory system then transports these compounds to the respective locations. They can easily travel in the bloodstream due to their strong affinity for Water. When excess Vitamins are produced or acquired, they are expelled or excreted from the kidneys via the urinary system. The deficiency symptoms of Water Soluble Vitamins appear quicker than the other type.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins, on the other hand, are more prone to oil-based medium. It means they are hydrophobic in nature. The Fat Soluble Vitamins are Vitamin A, D, E, and K. These Vitamins can easily dissolve in Fat or oil. In fact, they cannot travel freely in the bloodstream. A carrier protein is required to attach and carry them to the respective locations. When excess Vitamins are produced, they are stored in the Fat tissues in our body. These Vitamins can cause toxicity at a higher amount. They are more toxic than Water Soluble Vitamins at higher concentrations. The deficiency of these Vitamins generally appears late.

Now that you have understood what these Vitamins are and how they vary from each other, let us proceed to the difference between Fat Soluble Vitamins and Water Soluble Vitamins. The tabulated differences between Water Soluble and Fat Soluble Vitamins will help you understand the concept properly. In fact, these differences are tabulated considering the reason too. You can easily remember them and use them to identify the functions and nature of any Vitamin in a question.

Why Should We Study the Difference Between Fat Soluble and Water Soluble Vitamins?

Preparing the Chapter will become a lot easier when you have the differences between these two segments of Vitamins properly tabulated. The experts have taken a step ahead by using simpler language to explain the differences so that every student can delve deeper into the concepts and learn the Chapter.

It will become a lot easier to memorize the concepts. Referring to this section will also help you revise the Chapter faster during the Exams. You can also resolve all your queries and confusion without any hassle by following the difference table. There is a reason why the biology question papers ask for differences in closely-related terminologies. It helps the teachers to judge the proficiency and depth of a student’s knowledge of various concepts. Hence, to develop your concept well enough, refer to the table of differences between Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Vitamins.

What are Fat-Soluble Vitamins? 

• Vitamins A, D, E and K known to be Fat-Soluble. It is found in Fatty foods. The body absorbs these Vitamins like dietary Fat. They are inSoluble in Water. 

• Vitamins help the body function effectively. Water-Soluble Vitamins and Fat-Soluble Vitamins are of two types. Vitamins B and C are known to be Water Soluble. 

• Most Vitamins come from food, but sunlight contributes to Vitamin D. Some people need or choose a dietary supplement that provides additional Vitamins. 

• Fat-Soluble Vitamins are best absorbed by the body when a person consumes Fatty foods. 

• This article discusses the types, functions, sources, and intakes of Fat-Soluble Vitamins that are too high or too low.

Vitamin A 

• Vitamin A helps maintain healthy eyesight. Without Vitamin A, blurred vision and vision problems can occur.

Type 

• Vitamin A is not only a single kind of Vitamin, but a collection of compounds known as retinoids. 

• Retinoids occur naturally in the human body and in several food sources. 

• Some foods provide retinol that the body can use directly as Vitamin A. Others provide pro-Vitamin A, a compound that the body converts to Vitamin A.

Characteristics 

Vitamin A supports a number of functions throughout the body, including: Supplement 

So that the body gets the compounds needed to make Vitamin D from food. It also produces Vitamin D when exposed to the ultraviolet rays (UV) of the skin.

Vitamin D

• Vitamin D is not a single substance, but a group of compounds collectively called calciferol. 

• The body absorbs calcitriol into the bloodstream and converts it to calcitriol. 

Two types occur naturally: 

•  Vitamin D in animal Fats 3444 • Vitamin D in plants such as mushrooms D2

Function 

Vitamin D plays two important roles in the body: 

• Bone health to maintain. 

• Supports the immune system.

Vitamin E 

According to the experts, Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help the body destroy free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms and can cause oxidative stress. Oxidative stress causes cell damage and can lead to cancer and other illnesses. Vitamin E helps protect the body from many health problems.

Type 

Vitamin E has eight forms, but according to ODS, only α-tocopherol meets human needs. 

Characteristics 

The body needs Vitamin E for several reasons: 

• As an antioxidants

• To strengthen the immune system  

• To broad down blood vessels and prevent blood clots. 

Vitamin K 

Vitamin K helps to form blood clots in the body. Blood clotting helps the body to dry out the blood so that the person does not lose a large amount of blood therefore it is important to stop extreme bleeding.

Type 

There are many types of Vitamin K. 

The two most common groups are: 

• Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) found in leafy vegetables and other plant sources 

• Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) Obtained from animals and found in fermented foods 

• Synthetic and other forms can be found. The body is made with this. 

Characteristics 

Vitamin K not only promotes blood clotting, but can also: 

• Reduces the risk of heart disease 

• Improves bone health 

• Reduces the accumulation of calcium in the blood

What are Water-Soluble Vitamins? 

• Water-Soluble Vitamins are not as long-term as Fat-Soluble Vitamins. They are not stored in your body. They enter your bloodstream and everything your body doesn't need is excreted in your urine. 

• Water-Soluble Vitamins do not last long in the body and should be supplemented frequently. 

Important Water-Soluble Vitamins are a collection of Vitamins C and B Vitamins, including: 

1. B1 (thiamine) 

2. B2 (riboflavin) 

3. B3 (nicotine) 

4. B4 (pantothenic acid) 

5. B6 (pyridoxine) 

6. B7 (biotin) 

7. B9 (folic acid or folic acid) 

8. B12 (cobalamin)

The Role of Vitamin C 

It makes no sense that Vitamin C is the most important Vitamin in the disease. It plays a major role in your body. 

Some of the features of are: 

• Antioxidants help the body protect itself from harm. 

• Collagen is a powerful protein that helps wound healing by giving structure to muscles, bones and skin. 

• Antioxidants can help the body absorb iron from the fruits and vegetables you eat. 

• It supports your immune system to protect you from illness.

Source of Vitamin C 

Most Vitamin C comes from raw fruits and vegetables. 

The best foods are: 

• Citrus fruits 

• Pepper 

• Broccoli 

• Strawberries 

• Melon 

• Tomato 

The Role of B Vitamins 

• Each B Vitamin plays a small role in the entire system of all B Vitamins. As a group, B Vitamins help keep your body energized. They produce the energy your body needs throughout the day. 

• The B Vitamins do this by promoting the formation of red blood cells. This helps keep your body oxygenated and ensures that all parts are functioning.

Source of B Vitamins 

B Vitamins are available almost everywhere. If you are deficient in certain B Vitamins, you may need to increase your intake of certain foods. 

Foods high in B Vitamins are: 

1. Whole grain products 

2. Seafood 

3. Poultry 

4. Eggs 

5. Dairy products 

6. Leafy vegetables 

7. Beans