What is a characteristic of water-soluble vitamins?

Water-soluble vitamins, which include the B-complex vitamins and vitamin C, are characterized by their ability to dissolve in water. This solubility is important because it allows these vitamins to be easily absorbed into the bloodstream and transported throughout the body. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, which require dietary fats for absorption and can be stored in body tissues, water-soluble vitamins are not stored to any significant extent and excess amounts are typically excreted in urine. This is why they must be consumed regularly in the diet for optimal health.

The other choices, while related to vitamins, do not accurately describe the characteristic of water-soluble vitamins. For example, the concept of storage in the body is more relevant to fat-soluble vitamins. Additionally, the requirement of fat for absorption is specific to fat-soluble vitamins, and stating that they are not essential for health contradicts established nutritional science, as water-soluble vitamins play crucial roles in various bodily functions.