The Fat-Soluble Vitamins- A, D, E, and K

ABSORPTION OF FAT-SOLUBLE VITAMINS

• Vitamins A, D, E, and k are absorbed along with dietary fat

• These vitamins then travel with dietary fats through the bloodstream to reach body cells

• Special carriers in the bloodstream help distribute some of these vitamins

• Far-soluble vitamins are stored mostly in the liver and fatty tissues

• When fat absorption is efficient, about 40% to 90% of the fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed

• People with cystic fibrosis, a disease that often hampers far absorption, may develop deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins

• Some medications also interfere with fat absorption

• Unabsorbed fat carries these vitamins to the large intestine, where they are excreted in the feces

• Vitamins supplements are part of the treatment for preventing a vitamin deficiency associated with fat malabsorption

Category: Biochemistry Notes