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Which is a hydrophilic vitamin Quizlet? Breaking Down Water-Soluble Vitamins

2 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, there are nine hydrophilic, or water-soluble, vitamins essential for human health. Knowing which is a hydrophilic vitamin (Quizlet-style questions often feature) is crucial for understanding how our bodies absorb and use these vital nutrients. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of these essential compounds, their functions, and sources.

Quick Summary

This article explains which vitamins are hydrophilic, details their functions, lists common food sources, and distinguishes between water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. It highlights the importance of regular intake due to limited body storage and includes information relevant to common educational platforms like Quizlet.

Key Points

  • Definition of Hydrophilic Vitamins: Hydrophilic vitamins dissolve in water and are not stored long-term.

  • The Nine Water-Soluble Vitamins: This group includes Vitamin C and eight B-complex vitamins.

  • Quizlet Answer Key: A hydrophilic vitamin answer will be one of the water-soluble types, like Vitamin C.

  • Regular Intake is Crucial: Due to excretion, regular consumption is necessary.

  • Low Toxicity Risk: Toxicity from food is rare as excess is excreted.

  • Important Functions: These vitamins support energy, immunity, and cell growth.

  • Cooking Considerations: Steaming better preserves these vitamins than boiling.

In This Article

Understanding the Basics: What Defines a Hydrophilic Vitamin?

Hydrophilic substances are "water-loving," meaning they dissolve easily in water. This characteristic is key to how hydrophilic, or water-soluble, vitamins function in the body. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), water-soluble vitamins dissolve in digestive fluids and travel in the bloodstream. These vitamins are not stored long-term (except B12 in the liver), requiring regular dietary intake.

The Full Cast of Water-Soluble Vitamins

There are nine water-soluble vitamins: vitamin C and the eight B-complex vitamins. Vitamin C is an antioxidant vital for collagen and immunity, found in citrus and berries. The B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12) are essential for energy and metabolism, found in grains and meats.

Why Regular Intake of Hydrophilic Vitamins is So Important

Consistent intake is vital because the body excretes excess water-soluble vitamins in urine, making toxicity rare from food. This differs from fat-soluble vitamins that accumulate. Cooking can reduce these nutrients; steaming is preferable to boiling.

Hydrophilic vs. Hydrophobic Vitamins: A Comparative Overview

A table comparing water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins can be found on {Link: Study.com https://study.com/academy/lesson/water-soluble-vitamins-types-functions-sources.html}. It details types, solubility, absorption, storage, toxicity risk, and frequency of intake.

Conclusion: The Answer for the Quizlet and Beyond

To answer "Which is a hydrophilic vitamin Quizlet?", choose any of the nine water-soluble vitamins. Quizlet questions often pair a water-soluble option with fat-soluble ones. Understanding these differences and ensuring a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is key for health.

For additional study resources on vitamins, visit this authoritative guide: Biochemistry, Water Soluble Vitamins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hydrophilic vitamins dissolve in water, while hydrophobic ones dissolve in fat.

Vitamin C is a common example of a hydrophilic vitamin used in educational materials.

Except for B12, the body doesn't store significant amounts; excess is excreted.

They boost immunity (Vitamin C), aid energy metabolism (B-complex), and support red blood cells (B6, B9, B12).

Cooking can reduce their content; they leach into water and are heat sensitive. Steaming is better than boiling.

Toxicity from food is rare due to excretion. High supplement doses, especially B6 and Niacin, can cause issues.

Reliable sources include scientific and medical resources like the NIH.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.