Which Vitamins Are Fat-soluble?

The proper absorption of fat-soluble vitamins relies on the presence of fat in the intestines. When you consume fat-soluble vitamins, they combine with micelles and bile acids and travel into the lymphatic system before they reach the bloodstream. Of the 13 total vitamins, four of them, vitamins A, D, K and E are classified as fat-soluble.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps translate light into vision and allows your eyes to adjust to changes in the amount of light. Vitamin A also plays important roles in cell division, reproduction, bone growth and cell differentiation, which is the process that determines what a cell ultimately becomes in your body. Vitamin A also ensures that the mucus membranes in your intestinal tract, eyes, nose and lungs are able to form and stay moist.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for the formation of strong bones and teeth. The minerals calcium and phosphorus combine in your blood to form a structure called hydroxyapatite, which is the foundation of your bones and teeth. Vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in your small intestine and ensures that your blood contains the proper amounts of these minerals to allow you to form strong bones and teeth.

Vitamin K

When you get cut, your body triggers a reaction that tells your blood to form a clot to block the flow of blood. If your blood did not clot, a small cut would cause uncontrollable bleeding and a severe loss of blood. This blood clot reaction involves blood fragments, called platelets, and several different substances in your blood, called coagulation factors. Vitamin K acts as a coagulation factor. Vitamin K also helps regulate the action of a protein called osteocalcin. This protein ensures that calcium and phosphorus are able to come together correctly to form healthy, strong bones.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is well-known for its role as an antioxidant. Antioxidants attach to potentially harmful substances called free radicals that can damage your cells, causing chronic diseases. When antioxidants attach to free radicals, they neutralize them and prevent them from damaging your cells. Vitamin E also plays a role in blood clotting. The vitamin acts as an anticoagulant, preventing your blood from forming abnormal blood clots that can block proper blood flow and lead to heart attack or stroke.