Which type of vitamins can be stored in the body for future use?

The correct answer identifies fat-soluble vitamins as those that can be stored in the body for future use. Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins are absorbed along with dietary fats and can be stored in the liver and fatty tissues, allowing the body to utilize them even when they are not regularly consumed in the diet. This characteristic enables the body to maintain adequate levels of these vitamins over time, contributing to their important roles in various bodily functions, such as vision, immune function, and bone health.

In contrast, water-soluble vitamins, which include the B vitamins and vitamin C, are not stored in significant amounts in the body. Instead, they dissolve in water and excess amounts are typically excreted in urine, meaning they need to be consumed more regularly to maintain adequate levels. The distinction between essential and non-essential vitamins does not pertain directly to storage capability; rather, essential vitamins must be obtained from the diet because the body cannot synthesize them, while non-essential vitamins can be produced by the body.