Where Vitamins are Stored in the Body

Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver, adipose tissue and muscles in the body. The four fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E and K. These vitamins are more easily absorbed by the body in the presence of dietary fats.

Water-soluble vitamins

The liver acts as a storage place for some vitamins, minerals and glucose, providing a vital source of energy for the body that is transformed into glycogen for more efficient storage. It can store enough vitamin A and vitamin B12 for four years and enough vitamin D for four months. Vitamins A, D, E and K, the fat-soluble vitamins, bind to stomach fat and are then stored in fatty tissues and in the liver. These vitamins are not easily excreted and, when taken in excess, can build up in the body and cause unwanted and potentially dangerous adverse effects.

Water-soluble vitamins do not stay in the body for long and cannot be stored; they leave the body through the urine. Because of this, people need a more regular supply of water-soluble vitamins than of fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamin A is widely known for its importance for good vision, but it also supports the immune system and is necessary for a healthy pregnancy. Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which is important for healthy bones, teeth and muscles. Some population groups (with little or no exposure to sunlight) don't get enough vitamin D from sunlight and are at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency. Most vitamins must come from food because the body doesn't produce them or produces too little.

In the 1950s, most vitamins and multivitamins were available for sale to the general public to prevent deficiencies. After years of observation, experimentation and trial and error, it was determined that some diseases were not caused by infections or toxins but by vitamin deficiencies. Multivitamins can play an important role when nutritional requirements are not met by diet alone. There are 13 essential vitamins (A, B, C, D, E and K, with 8 vitamins in the B complex) and many minerals that the body needs for optimal health. If bile production is compromised by liver damage, adequate absorption of these vitamins may be impaired.

For example, when choosing beverages, you'll see that a glass of milk is a good source of vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus and potassium. The human body synthesizes vitamin D when exposed to sunlight; this is the best source of vitamin D.The trace elements are also essential nutrients that the body needs to function properly but in much smaller amounts than vitamins and minerals. In the past it was believed that taking vitamin E supplements could also prevent a variety of diseases including heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's disease.