What is a common characteristic of fat-soluble vitamins?

Fat-soluble vitamins, which include vitamins A, D, E, and K, have the characteristic of being stored in the body's fatty tissues and liver. This storage capability allows the body to maintain a reserve of these vitamins, which can be utilized when dietary intake is insufficient. Unlike water-soluble vitamins that are not stored in the body and need to be replenished regularly, fat-soluble vitamins can accumulate and contribute to the body's supply over time.

The ability to be stored in fatty tissues means that these vitamins can remain in the body for longer periods, helping to sustain appropriate levels of these essential nutrients. This storage trait also influences how often these vitamins need to be consumed: they do not need to be ingested daily, as the body can draw on its reserves when necessary. Additionally, because of their ability to accumulate, fat-soluble vitamins can potentially exhibit higher levels of toxicity if consumed in excessive amounts, which is notably different from the characteristics of water-soluble vitamins.