Vitamins are divided into two categories: fat-soluble and water-soluble.
The water-soluble group includes: B vitamins (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 12) and vitamin C. They present the following characteristics:
- They dissolve in water.
- They are not stored in the organism.
- Excess amounts are excreted through urine.
- They are destroyed when foods are cooked or boiled.
Fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E and K, and present the following characteristics:
- They dissolve in fat;
- They can be stored in the body;
- When they accumulate, they can cause problems.