What are the water-soluble vitamins?

Water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C and the B-vitamins, which encompass a variety of essential nutrients such as B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin). These vitamins dissolve in water, which allows them to be readily absorbed by the body, but they also require regular intake as they are not stored in significant amounts. Excess amounts of water-soluble vitamins are usually excreted via urine, making it crucial to maintain a consistent supply through diet.

The other options listed comprise fat-soluble vitamins or minerals. Vitamins A and D, for instance, are fat-soluble, meaning they can be stored in the body's fatty tissues and liver. Similarly, vitamins E and K fall into the same category. Minerals, which are essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and magnesium, are not categorized as vitamins and serve different functions in the body. Understanding these distinctions emphasizes the importance of different nutrients and their unique roles in health and metabolism.