Water-soluble vitamins are those vitamins that are easily destroyed during storage and preparation of food, according to Colorado State University. They get their name from the fact that they dissolve easily in water. Any excess of these vitamins in the human body are eliminated in the urine. There are several types of water-soluble vitamins.
Thiamine
According to Child and Youth Health, thiamine, or vitamin B1, is a water-soluble vitamin that helps turn carbohydrates, fats and alcohol into energy. It prevents the buildup of waste products that can damage the nervous system and the heart and also plays an important role in promoting a normal appetite. This vitamin can be found in milk, pork, liver, brown rice, legumes and beans.
Riboflavin
Another water-soluble vitamin is riboflavin, or vitamin B2, according to the Child and Youth Health website. Riboflavin plays an essential role in releasing energy from food and helps in promoting vision as well as healthy skin. Food sources of this vitamin include milk, cheese, eggs, meat and poultry.
Niacin
Vitamin B3, or niacin, is also a water-soluble vitamin, and it helps release the energy from food, says Colorado State University. It also helps in digestion and in promoting healthy nerves and skin. Sources of this vitamin include meat, fish and nuts.
Pyridoxine
Colorado State University says that vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is a type of water-soluble vitamin that helps in protein metabolism and absorption and in promoting the formation of red blood cells. Meat, fish and bananas are sources of this nutrient.
Folic Acid
Child and Youth Health states that folic acid is a type of water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in producing red blood cells and DNA. It is especially important in early pregnancy. Sources of this vitamin include green vegetables, oranges, nuts and whole-grain breads.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12, or cyanacobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in meats, liver, fish and eggs, according to Colorado State University. It helps in producing cells, building up the DNA and in providing a coating called myelin that helps protect the nerves.
Pantothenic Acid and Biotin
Pantothenic acid is found in liver, whole grains and legumes and plays a role in the formation of hormones and the production of energy. Another water-soluble vitamin, according to Colorado State University, is biotin, which aids in releasing energy from carbohydrates and in fat synthesis. Milk, liver and egg yolk are sources of this vitamin.
Vitamin C
The last of the water-soluble vitamins is vitamin C. Colorado State University states that it can be found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes and broccoli. It plays an important role in the formation of a component of tissues called collagen. It also promotes wound healing and the proper maintenance of blood vessels, bones and teeth.
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