Vitamins are absorbed into the body through the small intestine. According to the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse, vitamin C and all of the B vitamins are water-soluble and dissolve in the digestive fluids, and flush out with urination. Fat-soluble vitamins, including D, E, A and K, are stored in the fatty deposits of the liver and body tissues, and are processed with the body's hormonal system. The hormone ghrelin stimulates appetite when the stomach is empty and peptides produced in the stomach decrease appetite when food is introduced.
Function
The symptoms of vitamin toxicity or deficiency often are similar for fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamin A functions as a part of cell production in the body and regulates the immune system. Dietary vitamin A primarily comes from milk, eggs and meat. When there is a deficiency in the fat-soluble nutrient, appetite is affected. Loss of appetite also occurs when the vitamin is not properly absorbed in the system. Vitamin A toxicity also can cause liver damage, hair loss and fatigue, according to the Health Library.
Features
Vitamin deficiencies can lead to a number of disorders, including anemia. Anemia is primarily caused by a lack of sufficient vitamin B12 in the system. B12 comes from dietary protein and supplements. A lack of appetite due to any sort of medical condition can quickly turn into a B12 vitamin deficiency. The cycle then worsens, as one of the main side effects of anemia is a lack of appetite. Large doses of B12 supplements or injections may be required to treat the condition and stimulate your appetite to eat a balanced diet and build B12 stores back up.
Warning
Using weight-loss drugs to reduce appetite can lead to a severe lack of essential vitamins necessary for general well-being and good health. According to the Harvard Medical School, the only people who should take weight-loss drugs are those at risk for more serious health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or heart disease. Some weight-loss drugs also interfere with the absorption of essential fat-soluble vitamins and can lead to toxicity.
Considerations
When you are sick or recovering from a medical procedure such as chemotherapy, your body requires additional vitamins to aid in healing. It's usually at such times that your appetite shrinks, however. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are a number of ways to increase your vitamin intake while your appetite remains low or non-existent. Sneak extra vitamins into your food by adding fruit and supplements to thick milkshakes and smoothies. Spread peanut butter or avocados on toast. Drink liquid supplements or take vitamin pills until your appetite returns.
Effects
Vitamin D is a nutrient that is manufactured by the body through exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. According to the Mayo Clinic, however, there are a number of barriers to sufficient vitamin D production that can lead to a loss of appetite, constipation, nausea and weight loss. The benefits of vitamin D include healthy bone formation and mental functions. The benefits are reduced by an increased use of sunscreen and lack of proper nutrition. The effects of aging also limit the body's ability to process the vitamin sufficiently.
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