Which type of vitamins are absorbed into the lymph before entering the bloodstream?

Fat-soluble vitamins, which include vitamins A, D, E, and K, are absorbed through the intestinal lining into the lymphatic system before they enter the bloodstream. This absorption process involves the incorporation of these vitamins into micelles, which facilitate their transport across the intestinal wall. Once in the intestinal cells, fat-soluble vitamins are packaged into chylomicrons and then released into the lymphatic system. From there, they ultimately enter the bloodstream through the thoracic duct.

This pathway is distinct from that of water-soluble vitamins and minerals, which are typically absorbed directly into the bloodstream and do not require lymphatic transport. Understanding the absorption mechanisms of these different nutrient categories underscores their distinct physiological roles and dietary requirements.