How are water-soluble vitamins absorbed by the body?

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  1. Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian
     
    Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian answered:
    Water-soluble vitamins are packed into the watery portions of the foods you eat. They are absorbed directly into the bloodstream as food is broken down during digestion or as a supplement dissolves. Because much of your body consists of water, many of the water-soluble vitamins circulate easily in your body. (One exception is vitamin B6, which is mostly stored in muscle tissue.) Your kidneys continuously regulate levels of water-soluble vitamins, shunting excesses out of the body in your urine.

    Contrary to popular belief, some water-soluble vitamins can stay in the body for long periods of time. You probably have several years' supply of vitamin B12 in your liver. And even folic acid and vitamin C stores can last more than a couple of days. Generally, though, water-soluble vitamins should be replenished every few days.
    More Related Answers from Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian
    Water-soluble vitamins are packed into the watery portions of the foods you eat. They are absorbed directly into the bloodstream as food is broken down during digestion or as a supplement dissolves. Because much of your body consists of water, many... More