Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What is a common characteristic of fat-soluble vitamins?

1. They are excreted in urine

2. They can be stored in body tissues

3. They are not affected by heat

4. They dissolve in water

The correct answer is: They can be stored in body tissues

Fat-soluble vitamins are characterized by their ability to be stored in the body's fat tissues and the liver. This storage capability stems from their chemical structure, which allows them to be absorbed along with dietary fats and subsequently accumulate within the body's adipose (fat) tissues. This process gives the body a reservoir of essential vitamins that can be tapped into when dietary intake may be insufficient. In contrast, water-soluble vitamins are not stored and are instead excreted through urine when in excess, which differentiates them markedly from their fat-soluble counterparts. Additionally, while some fat-soluble vitamins can be somewhat stable to heat, they can still be sensitive to heat under certain cooking methods. Lastly, fat-soluble vitamins do not dissolve in water; they require fat for absorption, emphasizing their storage in lipids rather than in water-based solutions. This understanding is foundational for estheticians, as it relates to nutrition, skin health, and the body's vitamin requirements.