Difference Between Fat and Water Soluble Vitamins

Since childhood, we have been taught that vitamins are the most important compounds required for a healthy body. We therefore include fresh fruits and vegetables in our diet to meet requirements of body. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain the important vitamins and if we do not receive enough vitamins through our diet, we take additional multivitamin supplements. We all know the different vitamins required by the body system: vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K. But, did you know these vitamins are classified further as fat soluble and water soluble vitamins? There is a major chemical difference between fat and water soluble vitamins that makes them.

Fat Soluble Vitamins ~ Definition
Before we go into the details of difference between fat soluble and water soluble vitamins, let us understand what each of these group of vitamins mean. According to the fat soluble vitamins definition, they are those vitamins that are soluble in fat or lipids. They are therefore also known as lipid soluble vitamins. There are four fat soluble vitamins, that include:

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

On the basic level, these vitamins are similar to each other structurally. They are important for the daily wear and tear repair of the body. These fat soluble vitamins are dissolved in the lipids present in the body. Thus, these vitamins are stored within the body for further use.

Water Soluble Vitamins ~ Definition
According to the water soluble vitamins definition, they are those vitamins that are soluble in water. There are 9 water soluble vitamins that include all the 8 vitamins of B complex and vitamin C. These water soluble vitamins are inactive when present in a free state. As they are water soluble, they cannot be stored within the body. Thus, you need to replenish the daily vitamin requirements by including them in your diet.

What is the Difference Between Fat Soluble and Water Soluble Vitamins
After going through the definitions, you must have got the general idea about what these vitamins are all about. Apart from their solubility, there are few other differences. The following table will help you understand the difference between fat soluble and water soluble vitamins.

Fat and Water Soluble Vitamins ~ Difference
Fat Soluble Vitamins	Water Soluble Vitamins
These vitamins are absorbed in the body and stored in the liver and other fatty tissues.	Water soluble vitamins attach themselves to water and are not stored within the body.
When the body needs fat soluble vitamins, fat globules called chylomicrons are released to absorb these vitamins. These vitamins travel through the lymphatic system and enter the blood stream for further use.	Water soluble vitamins are absorbed immediately after they enter the body. These vitamins attach themselves to water molecules and travel through the bloodstream. They are used up as required and excess vitamins are released into the urinary tract from where they are flushed out through the urine.
These vitamins are required for repairing the daily wear and tear within the body and for functioning of many organs. The functions of fat soluble vitamins include: 1. Vitamin E benefits include functioning as an antioxidant, protection of fatty acids and red blood cells from destruction and as well as maintaining the balance of vitamin A and C. 2. The benefits of vitamin D show that it helps absorb calcium and phosphorous within the body. It also helps in regulating the levels of calcium and phosphorous within the bloodstream. 3. The benefits of vitamin A include maintaining vision power, tissue growth and differentiation, as well as helps make the immune system stronger. 4. Vitamin K benefits show that it is essential for metabolism of food into energy, blood clotting and normal bone growth.	Water soluble vitamins helps keep the body healthy and boost the immune system. The functions of these vitamins include: 1. Vitamin B helps in conversion of glucose into carbohydrates by providing energy to the body. 2. Biotin vitamin helps in growth of the body. 3. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and helps the immune system fight off diseases. 4. The benefits of vitamin B 12 include production of antibodies, folacin function and maintenance of nerve tissues. 5. Folacin helps in synthesis of DNA and cell division.
These vitamins are absorbed by the large intestine and stored within the body. Thus, one does not need to consume these vitamins everyday as they are stored till needed by the body.	Water soluble vitamins are used up the minute they enter the body and therefore one needs to consume them everyday for proper functioning and maintenance of the body.

As you can see from the above difference between fat and water soluble vitamins, each of these groups is essential for a healthy and strong body. You should consume a balanced diet everyday, in order to meet the body's requirement for water soluble as well as fat soluble vitamins. You should consume foods that contain fish liver oil and essential omega 3 fatty acids. These are essential fatty acids that contain plenty of vitamin D as well as A. Hope the above explanation has helped you understand the difference between fat soluble and water soluble vitamins clearly.