The billions of distinct molecules in the world fall into one of two categories: polar or nonpolar. Polar molecules are so named because of the presence of small electrical charges, called poles, that cause part of the molecule to have a slightly negative charge and part of the molecule to have a slightly positive charge. In contrast, nonpolar molecules do not have these poles and instead maintain a neutral charge. Some, but not all, of the vitamins required in your diet are nonpolar molecules.
Polar Versus Nonpolar Vitamins
There are two major classifications of vitamins: polar and nonpolar. Polar, or water-soluble, vitamins are found dissolved in the water in foods, while nonpolar, or fat-soluble, vitamins are found dissolved in fat droplets within your food. The eight B vitamins, as well as vitamin C, are polar vitamins, while vitamins A, D, E and K are nonpolar. The polarity or nonpolarity of vitamins has an effect on the vitamin's metabolism within your system.
Metabolism of Nonpolar Vitamins
Nonpolar vitamins are stored within your body. Following consumption, nonpolar vitamins dissolve in the fatty tissue within the liver, and small amounts may also remain stored within the skin or muscle. This vitamin store helps your body to fight a vitamin deficiency; your body can utilize your vitamin stores instead of relying on new vitamin intake each day. This contrasts with your body's needs for polar vitamins. These nutrients get released in the urine, so you must consume polar vitamins each day to prevent a deficiency.
Risks of Nonpolar Vitamin Toxicity
Though storing nonpolar vitamins in the body can prove beneficial for helping to prevent a vitamin deficiency, it can also lead to health problems. Since your body retains any nonpolar vitamin you consume, over-consuming these vitamins can lead to a toxic accumulation of vitamin within your system. Excessive intake of vitamins A and D can cause brain and bone damage, respectively, while a vitamin K overdose can cause symptoms similar to those of allergies and a vitamin E overdose can cause excessive bleeding.
Considerations
Consume nonpolar vitamins in moderation to prevent an overdose and a harmful accumulation of vitamin within your body. Each nonpolar vitamin has a daily recommended intake, which varies depending on your sex and age. In many cases, following a healthy diet provides enough of each nonpolar vitamin to prevent a deficiency, though some individuals may also require vitamin supplements. To determine your specific nonpolar vitamin intake requirements and assess your need for vitamin supplementation, consult a physician or registered dietitian.
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