What are the two categories of vitamins?

Vitamins are classified into two primary categories based on their solubility: fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins, which include vitamins A, D, E, and K, are stored in the body’s fatty tissues and liver. They require dietary fat for absorption and can build up in the body over time, potentially leading to toxicity if consumed in excessive amounts.

Water-soluble vitamins, on the other hand, encompass the B-complex vitamins and vitamin C. These vitamins dissolve in water, making them readily absorbed and transported in the body. However, since they are not stored to a significant extent, excess amounts are typically excreted in urine, reducing the risk of toxicity.

Understanding these categories is crucial for dietary planning and ensuring adequate intake because it influences how these vitamins should be incorporated into a diet for optimal health. The other answer choices do not reflect the proper classification framework for vitamins as defined in nutritional science.