What are the two types of vitamins?

Vitamins are classified into two main categories based on their solubility: fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins can be stored in the body's fatty tissues and liver, which allows them to be utilized when needed. They tend to be absorbed through the intestinal tract with the help of dietary fats.

On the other hand, water-soluble vitamins comprise vitamin C and the B vitamins. These vitamins dissolve in water and are not stored in the body to a significant extent, meaning they need to be consumed regularly to maintain adequate levels. Any excess amounts of these vitamins are typically excreted through urine.

This classification is fundamental for understanding how the body processes and utilizes these nutrients, guiding dietary recommendations and supplementation strategies. Other classifications, such as mineral-based versus synthetic or essential versus non-essential, do not accurately represent the primary differentiation that affects vitamin absorption and storage in the body.