Kelly Turner
Without vitamins, it looks bad for our body: They are among the essential nutrients that are involved in numerous metabolic processes. However, certain vitamins can only be processed by the body under certain conditions: If we take them without fats, fat-soluble vitamins have almost no effect. They are in these foods.
Fat-soluble vitamins vs. water-soluble vitamins: what’s the difference?
Fat-soluble vitamins need fats as a carrier medium because they are metabolized just like fats. So that the body can absorb and properly utilize them, fat-soluble vitamins should always be taken together with fats such as oils and butter. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble ones can be stored extremely well by the body. They accumulate particularly in the liver. A deficiency of vitamins from this category is very unlikely for this reason.
On the other hand, an excess, a so-called hypervitaminosis, is possible, albeit similarly unlikely due to the amounts of food that a person would have to consume to get into the toxic range. The only exception: Improper intake of vitamin preparations can also promote vitamin poisoning.
Fat-soluble vitamins A, E, D, K
The fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K. They each have different functions in the body.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A supports the immune system, skin, mucous membranes, and eye health. Vitamin A can be ingested through animal foods or carotenoids. Carotenoids are a plant precursor of the vitamin; the body then forms it with their help. Carotenoids are plant pigments and are found in particular in fruit and vegetables with strong yellow, orange, red and green colors.
vitamin E
Vitamin E supports the immune system, has an anti-inflammatory effect, and is one of the antioxidants. The more unsaturated fatty acids are part of the diet, the higher the vitamin E requirement, since its antioxidant function protects the fatty acids from free radicals.
Vitamin D
This vitamin is also known as the sunshine vitamin. It is formed in the skin through solar radiation and is particularly responsible for bone formation and a healthy bone structure. The immune system, muscles, and skin also need vitamin D. To prevent an undersupply, vitamin D sources should be increased in the diet during the winter months, such as oily fish.
vitamin k
Important for blood clotting and healthy bone formation and metabolism, vitamin K should also be part of a balanced and healthy diet. Deficiency is very rare as it is found in large amounts in many foods.
