Fat-Soluble Vitamins Functions

Vitamins are the most important constituent of the human body. The body needs these vitamins for proper growth and functioning. All most vitamins have a vital role in the daily routine functions of the body like the production of blood cells, detoxification of the body, reproduction, growth, absorption of nutrients, and blood clotting.

These vitamins are categorized into two main categories i.e. Fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins. Vitamins of each of these categories have their own importance and functions in the body which are discussed below in detail.  

What are Fat-Soluble Vitamins?

The other main category of vitamins is the fat-soluble vitamins. All those vitamins fall in this category which are soluble in fats. Most of these vitamins are present in fats sourced foods. The body absorbed and store these lipid-soluble vitamins along with fats. Fatty tissues of the body are responsible for their storage in the body. These vitamins are four in number which are Vitamin K, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins Functions

Functions of Vitamin A

Vitamin A plays its role in the following vital functions of the body which include.

Boosting of immunity

Because of anti-inflammation property Vitamin A is considered a booster for the immune system. Vitamins A helps the body to win the fight against infections. These infections could be viral, bacterial, and parasitic.

Vision

You may hear that deficiency of Vitamin A leads to visual disturbance. The statement is right that distortion in light occurred due to improper amount of Vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A helps the body in the production of light-absorbing molecules called rhodopsin. Rhodopsin helps the eye in the differentiation of color and seeing in low-intensity light. Retinal, a form of vitamin A, and opsin, a form of protein, helps the body in the production of rhodopsin. 

Cell Recognition

Cell recognition is the ability of a cell to differentiate and communicate between different types of neighboring cells. Vitamin A enhances this ability of the cell.

Reproduction

Reproduction is the most important function of the human body and of almost every living organism. Vitamin A helps both male and female in reproduction. During embryogenesis, Vitamin A triggers meiosis in the female gonad. It has also a healthy effect on the genital tract of males and spermatogenesis.  

Growth and development

Vitamin A helps the body in growth and development. It keeps epithelial tissues healthy. Vitamin A also has a healthy effect on the health of the urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, and on the lining of other vital organs like lungs, cornea, and skin. 

Functions of Vitamin D

Vitamin D helpfully participates in different biological processes in the body.

Absorption of Minerals

Our body needs some important minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium to stay healthy. The body absorbs these minerals from food.

Vitamin D has a key role in the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in the small intestine from foods.

The absorbed calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium helps the body to have healthy and strong bones.

Boosting Immunity

The research shows that taking the proper dose of vitamin D has a positive impact on immunity, hypertension, and depression. According to the recent studies, vitamin D is considered as a shield against depression, hypertension, cancer, and some autoimmune diseases.

Functions of Vitamin K

Blood Clotting

The vital role of vitamin k is in blood clotting. Vitamin K participates in the production of special proteins called prothrombin which is responsible for blood clotting.

Maintain Calcium Level in Blood

Vitamin K also helps in regulating proper calcium levels in the body. The health of bones, connective tissues, and its metabolism is related to the consumption of vitamin K.

Vitamin K as an Antioxidant

Vitamin K also acts as an antioxidant in the body. This vitamin plays a role in a process known as peroxidation. During this vitamin, K reduces the damaging effects of free radicals.

Functions of Vitamin E

Vitamin E as an Antioxidant

Like other fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin E also acts as an antioxidant. Vitamin E protects the cells from the damage of free radicals.

The oxidation effect of vitamin E makes it an effective agent against conditions like arthritis, aging, and cancer.

Boost Immune System

Like other lipid-soluble vitamins, vitamin E also helps the body to fight against health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer.