Vitamins

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin H is actually vitamin B7, better known as biotin
• Vitamin K

Essential for life? We imagine most are

What is essential in this context?

Do not provide energy.

Absorbed in the small intestine.

Fat soluble should be taken with food (that contains fats) and caution should be exercised to avoid overconsumption as any excess remains in the body (in the liver and the fatty tissues of the body). Any excess water soluble vitamins are removed through urination although some may be stored in the liver.

Vitamin	Names	Soluble in	Synergies/Antagonists
A	Retinol & others	Fat	Do not supplement if you eat vitamin A rich foods
B	Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folate & others	Water	See below, also too much folate (B9) may mask a B12 deficiency
C	Ascorbic acid	Water	Reduces vitamin B12 absorption
D	Ergocalciferol & Cholecalciferol	Fat
E	d-alpha-tocopherol & dl-alpha-tocopherol	Fat	May counteract vitamin K's blood clotting properties
K	Phylloquinone, Phytonadione & others	Fat	See above