Question

Briefly explain the functions and sources of the fat soluble vitamins.

Answer 1

Fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E and K.

Vitamin	Functions	Sources
Vitamin A (retinol/beta-carotene)	Needed for vision in dim light, healthy skin and mucous membranes, growth of skeletal and soft tissues, immune system health	Milk, cheese, cream, butter, egg yolk, liver; beta-carotene from dark green leafy vegetables and red/yellow fruits and vegetables – carrot, pumpkin, mango, papaya
Vitamin D	Helps keep teeth and bones strong, firm and correctly shaped; helps in utilisation and absorption of calcium and phosphoric acid	Egg yolk, sheep liver, cod liver oil, shark liver oil, pure milk; early morning sunlight
Vitamin E	Antioxidant; protects cell walls; required for coagulation of blood; keeps skin healthy	Soybean, corn, cottonseed, safflower oils; green leafy vegetables; wheat germ; wholegrain products; liver; egg yolk; nuts and seeds
Vitamin K	Also called anti-bleeding vitamin; needed for proper blood clotting	Salad leaves, cabbage, spinach, cauliflower, tomatoes, peas, carrot