What Are Oil Soluble Vitamins?
Oil-soluble (or fat-soluble) vitamins are an essential component for your health. They are responsible for aiding in the repair process of your body's cells and the proper functioning of your organs. They are called fat-soluble vitamins because they need fat or oil to be carried into and absorbed by your body.
-
Identification
-
Oil-soluble vitamins include Vitamins A, D, E and K. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins are slowly eliminated from your body and are stored in fatty tissues and your liver.
Vitamin A and Vitamin D Facts
-
Vitamin A keeps your skin and mucous membranes healthy, enhances night vision and enables bone and tooth development. Vitamin D enhances your body's ability to absorb calcium and hardens teeth and bones.
-
Vitamin E and Vitamin K Facts
-
Vitamin E enhances your body's ability to use Vitamins C and A and other fatty acids, and is an antioxidant that prevents damage to cellular membranes.
Vitamin K assists in blood clotting.
Side Effects
-
Huge doses of these vitamins can be toxic to your body. Over-consumption of Vitamin A can cause side effects such as nausea and irritability. Vitamin D can result in weight loss, nausea and irritability. Vitamins E and K normally do not have any side effects.
Severe Side Effects
-
Severe overdoses can cause growth retardation, spleen and liver enlargement, hair loss, mental retardation, kidney damage and digestive problems.
Considerations
-
According to a Colorado State University study, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet should give you adequate amounts of these vitamins. (Ref. 2.) Talk to your doctor before beginning a supplement program.
-
References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of D'Arcy Norman
