Which vitamins are classified as water-soluble?

Water-soluble vitamins are characterized by their ability to dissolve in water, which allows them to easily enter the bloodstream and be utilized by the body. The key vitamins that fall into this category are the B-complex vitamins and vitamin C.

B vitamins, which include B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin), all play crucial roles in energy metabolism and are essential for proper cellular function. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is important for the synthesis of collagen, the antioxidant defense system, and the immune response.

In contrast, vitamins A, D, E, and K are classified as fat-soluble vitamins, meaning they require fat for absorption and are stored in the body's fatty tissue. This classification affects how they are absorbed, transported, and utilized, making the distinction between water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins important in nutritional science. Thus, the choice of B and C reflects a clear understanding of which vitamins are water-soluble, as they are the primary representatives of this group.