Question

What is true about the absorption and storage of fat-soluble versus water-soluble vitamins in the body?​

​-Water-soluble vitamins can build to toxic levels because they circulate in the bloodstream.

​-Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and fatty tissues until the body needs them.

​-The body can survive for weeks without replacing water-soluble vitamins.

​-Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

​-Fat-soluble vitamins are needed in small but frequent doses.

Answer 1

Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are absorbed with lipids and stored in the body, which can lead to hypervitaminosis if excess is retained. Water-soluble vitamins (B vitamins, vitamin C) are absorbed with water, circulate in the body, and excess is excreted, making hypervitaminosis rare.

Step-by-step explanation:

The absorption and storage of fat-soluble versus water-soluble vitamins differ significantly in the body. Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are absorbed through the intestinal tract with lipids, and are stored in the liver and fatty tissues for later use. On the other hand, water-soluble vitamins, such as the eight B vitamins and vitamin C, are absorbed with water in the gastrointestinal tract, circulate through bodily fluids, and are not stored in the body as excess amounts are excreted via urine. This means that while hypervitaminosis can occur with fat-soluble vitamins if retained in lipid stores, it is rare with water-soluble vitamins unless there is an excessive intake of vitamin supplements.