Fat-soluble vitamin

fat-soluble vitamin

n.

Any of various vitamins soluble in fats or fat solvents.

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Fat-soluble vitamin

Fat-soluble vitamins can be dissolved in oil or in melted fat. Water-soluble vitamins can be dissolved in water or juice.

Mentioned in: Vitamin A Deficiency, Vitamin D Deficiency, Vitamin E Deficiency, Vitamin K Deficiency

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vitamin

an organic substance found in foods and essential in small quantities for growth, health and survival. The body needs vitamins as well as other food constituents such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and water. The absence of one or more vitamins from the diet, or poor absorption of vitamins, can cause deficiency diseases such as rickets, enzootic muscular dystrophy and polioencephalomalacia.

Vitamins serve as coenzymes or cofactors in enzymatic reactions. They are required only in trace quantities because they are not consumed in the reactions.

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fat-soluble vitamin

one soluble in and absorbed from the intestine in fat. Includes vitamins A, D, E and K.

water-soluble vitamin

one soluble in water. Includes vitamins B and C.