There are two types of vitamins: fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in your fat cells, consequently requiring fat in order to be absorbed.
Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in your body; therefore, they need to be replenished daily. Your body takes what it needs from the food you eat and then excretes what is not needed as waste. Here is a list of vitamin types and some common food sources:
The fat soluble vitamins:
• Vitamin A - comes from orange colored fruits and vegetables; dark leafy greens, like kale
• Vitamin D - can be found in fortified milk and dairy products; cereals; (and of course sun shine!)
• Vitamin E - is found in fortified cereals, leafy green vegetables, seeds, and nuts
• Vitamin K - can be found in dark green leafy vegetables and turnip/beet greens
The water soluble vitamins:
• Vitamin B1 or Thiamin - come from whole grains, enriched grains; liver; nuts, and seeds
• Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin - comes from whole grains, enriched grains, and dairy products
• Vitamin B3 or Niacin - comes from meat, fish, poultry, and whole grains
• Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid - comes from meat, poultry, and whole grains
• Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine - comes from fortified cereals and soy products
• Vitamin B7 or Biotin - is found in fruits and meats
• Vitamin B9 or Folic Acid (Folate) - comes from leafy vegetables
• Vitamin B12 - comes from fish, poultry, meat, and dairy products
• Vitamin C - comes from citrus fruits and juices, such as oranges and grapefruits; red, yellow and green peppers .
(Featured Image Courtesy: Celiac Disease Foundation)
