The vitamins have been identified since the early 20th century and occur naturally and mostly in diets. Thirteen vitamins exist that are classified as fat-soluble (easily dissolvable in fats) and water-soluble (easily dissolvable in water). The fat-soluble vitamins are Vitamin A, D, E and K.
While taking a multivitamin everyday is a good idea, some health professionals raise concern over the possibility of an individual ingesting more vitamins and minerals than their body requires. Many individuals don’t worry about taking too many vitamins and minerals because they believe that any excess is flushed through the kidneys. This is one of the most common misconceptions related to vitamin supplementation.
There are 13 essential vitamins (A, C, D, E, K, B12, and the 7 B-complex vitamins). Each vitamin is either water-soluble or fat-soluble group. This is how vitamins are categorized. As referenced by their name, water-soluble vitamins (C and B-complex) dissolve in water and so any excess is excreted in the urine. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) on the other hand are dissolved in fat that exists in the intestines and are eventually stored in the liver. Since fat-soluble vitamins can remain in the body for an extended period of time, it is this issue that concerns health professionals. If an individual supplements their diet with vitamins and their normal diet provides a sufficient amount of fat-soluble vitamins, there is the possibility that the excess amount of vitamins could cause toxicity. As the name implies, vitamin supplementation should only occur when there is a deficiency.
The need for vitamin supplementation is another issue with fat-soluble vitamins. Since water-soluble vitamins are used by the body or removed constantly, there is a regular requirement. Since fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body, it is rare that an individual with a normal diet would ever require supplementation. The fact is, most people don’t follow a normal diet. So, there is a chance that the concern that medical professionals have regarding these vitamins is moot. What seems to be more important is that people perform some research before blindly taking vitamins. Nutrition experts recommend that an individual consult a medical professional before creating their own vitamin supplementation plan that includes fat-soluble vitamins. The doctor will undoubtedly order blood tests to determine if there is in fact a need for vitamin supplementation.
The complications of these fat-soluble vitamins could readily reversed in most cases by readily administering supplements and appropriate nutrition support. If support could be obtained early in childhood, in certain cases, in the neonatal period, neurological deficits could be avoided. If we could aid developing countries in the acquisition and sustainability of appropriate nutrients and agriculture, then these complications would be eradicated.
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