There are water-soluble vitamins (e.g. B complex, C) that
are readily absorbed, and fat-soluble ones that require the
normal fat-absorbing mechanisms (e.g. bile, pancreatic lipase).
In obstructive jaundice or pancreatic disease, deficiencies of
fat-soluble vitamins can arise even when intake is adequate.
Large doses of vitamins have toxic effects. Hypervitaminosis
A (anorexia, hepatosplenomegaly, irritability), hypervitamin-
osis D (calcification of soft tissues, renal failure) and hypervit-
aminosis K (gastrointestinal disturbances, anorexia) are well
described.