Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and enter your bloodstream immediately after you consume them. They include vitamin C and the B vitamins thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, folate and vitamin B-12. Some of the water-soluble vitamins work together in your body, while others function independently.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C acts as a coenzyme, which is a substance that aids enzymes in producing chemical reactions. One of the most notable coenzyme functions of vitamin C is its synthesis of collagen, the most abundant protein in your body. Your connective tissue, which supports and cushions your body parts, contains a high amount of collagen. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, which helps prevent cell damage by neutralizing free radicals. Vitamin C also increases the amount of non-heme iron -- found in plant foods -- that your body is able to absorb.
Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid and Biotin
Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid and biotin are the B vitamins that allow you to metabolize the calories from carbohydrates, protein and fat into energy that your body can use. In addition, thiamin is involved in the breakdown of alcohol in your body, and it keeps your nerves healthy. Niacin allows your body to synthesize cholesterol and various types of fat.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 allows you to convert the amino acid tryptophan into the water-soluble vitamin niacin. Vitamin B-6 also allows you to convert glycogen, which is the storage form of glucose, back into glucose that your cells can use. Vitamin B-6 also plays a role in converting carbohydrates, fat and protein into energy. However, it is most essential for the metabolism of proteins, according to Joan Salge Blake in her book, "Nutrition and You."
Folate
Folate allows your body to produce DNA, which is found in every cell. Folate also helps your red blood cells divide properly and allows your body to use amino acids. Because of its role in creating new cells, folate is especially important during the first few weeks of pregnancy. This vitamin helps prevent the birth defects spina bifida and anencephaly.
Vitamin B-12
This important vitamin plays vital roles in your body. Vitamin B-12 is used by your body to create healthy red blood cells and to keep your nerve cells healthy so that nerve signals transmit properly. Your body also needs vitamin B-12 to synthesize non-essential amino acids and various fatty acids, which are necessary to create the DNA in your cells.
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