Vitamins are organic substances that cannot be synthesized by humans. You must ingest them in your diet in small quantities to facilitate normal metabolism. They are divided into water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E and K. Your body absorbs fat and the fat transports and stores these vital substances.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is found in foods such as liver, milk, cheese, eggs, carrots, squash, dark green and yellow vegetables and fruits such as cantaloupe or apricots. Vitamin A is important for your eyes and skin, and for normal growth.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from your stomach and for the functioning of calcium in your body. It is used to treat hypoparathyroidism, rickets and low levels of phosphate in your blood, referred to as hypophosphatemia. Vitamin D is measured by a lab test called 25-OH vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the development of osteoporosis, and is also associated with an increased risk of fractures and falls in the elderly, decreased immune function, bone pain and possibly colon cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble compound and an antioxidant and protects cell membranes from oxidation and destruction. It works as a free radical scavenger, protecting polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are the major structural components of the cell membranes, from peroxidation. Perioxidation is a process in which fat is broken down and the free radicals steal the electrons from the fat cell membranes, resulting in damage.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is important in the production of substances that cause your blood to clot. It is found in green vegetables like spinach and broccoli. According to BBC Health most vitamin K is produced by microorganisms in the intestine, and it is stored in the liver.
Importance of Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins are found in a variety of foods. Your body requires certain amounts of these vitamins for metabolism and body growth and function. Both deficiencies and excesses of these vitamins may lead to several different disorders. According to BBC Health, because these vitamins can be stored, excessive intakes can accumulate and may be harmful. Research studies have found that taking vitamin A and E supplements in excess can actually increase risk of premature death.
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