The fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E, and K. Fat-soluble vitamins are found in the liver and the fatty tissues of the body where they are stored and used. Fat-soluble vitamins require bile in order to be absorbed into the lymph system from the intestines.
One of the fat-soluble vitamins, Vitamin E, is an important antioxidant that protects cell membranes and artery walls. Vitamin A comes from two different sources. Provitamin A is found in vegetables and fruits and is known as beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is always non-toxic in foods, even if you consume a lot of vegetables and fruits. Beta-carotene functions as an antioxidant and can be converted to the other forms of vitamin A. The other dietary source of vitamin A is found mainly in animal livers. Vitamin A from animal products and supplements has the potential to be toxic. Vitamin A has many functions, one of which is enhancing vision in low light.
Vitamin D is important for maintaining strong bones. Vitamin D is normally made in the skin with the help of sunlight. Supplementation may be necessary for people who do not get much sunlight. This vitamin has few natural dietary sources. Vitamin D is added to milk and is found in the oils of a few fish. Vitamin D is never toxic when made from sunlight in the skin, but it can be toxic when taken as fish liver oil or in supplements.
Vitamin E is a family of related compounds. Vitamin E is mainly found in almonds, sunflower seeds, and cold-pressed oils. Vitamin E serves as a powerful antioxidant, protecting fatty areas in the body. Vitamin E is non-toxic, although huge doses can encourage a tendency toward bleeding.
Vitamin K is needed for normal blood clotting. Vitamin K is found in abundance in green leafy vegetables. Vitamin K is non-toxic in food and supplements. Unlike the other fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin K is not stored in the body.
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