Water Soluble Vitamins
The definition of water soluble vitamins are vitamins that are easily dissolved in water. Out of the thirteen vitamins needed by the body for proper function, nine of these are water soluble vitamins. The nine types of vitamins that are water soluble include eight B vitamin types and vitamin C. The types of B vitamins that are water soluble vitamins include the following: vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12.
Originally, all the B vitamins were considered just one vitamin until further research indicated that this type of vitamin should be broken down into eight different types of water soluble vitamins. The reason for the division is both the effect within the body as well as the source of the vitamins. A source that provides one type of B vitamin may not provide another, and this means that the body could still be lacking the nutrients it needs from these other water soluble vitamins. However, some of these water soluble vitamins that were not originally classified as a type of B vitamin had different names, such as vitamin G (now known as vitamin B2) and vitamin H (now known as vitamin B7).
Water soluble vitamins are found in a variety of foods, such as meats and fruits. Each type of water soluble vitamin is vital for the proper function of the body, so it is important to monitor your diet and make sure you have the proper intake of these vitamins as well as fat soluble vitamins. However, it is not always possible to be sure that you are getting enough water soluble vitamins in your diet. This is why there are many other ways to supplement your vitamin intake. These can include pills, drinks, and more. Whatever method you use to achieve the recommended daily amount of vitamins can be helpful. It is important, though, to be sure you are not taking too many water soluble vitamins, as they can cause harm within the body when taken too much on a regular basis. If using supplemental water soluble vitamins and/or fat soluble vitamins, you should always read the labels and be sure to only take the recommended daily amount. If you eat foods that are high in a certain type of vitamin, keep this in mind when taking vitamin supplements so you don’t get too much of any one vitamin.