Vitamins are primarily categorized based on their solubility. What are the two categories?

Vitamins are categorized based on their solubility into two main groups: fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins, which include vitamins A, D, E, and K, can be stored in the fatty tissues of the body and in the liver. Because they dissolve in fats, they can be absorbed along with dietary fat. On the other hand, water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C and the B vitamins, dissolve in water and are not stored in the body to the same extent as fat-soluble vitamins. This means they need to be consumed more regularly, as excess amounts are excreted through urine.

The other options incorrectly combine categories or mention minerals that are not classified in the same way as vitamins. Vitamins do not include classes like minerals in their solubility categorization, nor do they fall under protein or carbohydrate. Understanding the distinction between fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins is crucial for nutrition, as it influences how these vitamins are absorbed, stored, and the dietary requirements for their intake.