Nutrition mnemonic

Fat-soluble vitamins

The mnemonic

ADEK

What each word stands for

  • ARetinol
  • DCalciferol
  • ETocopherol
  • KPhylloquinone

Why it matters clinically

Fat malabsorption causes deficiency of all four, and excess can accumulate toxic levels.

Where it stops being reliable

Says nothing of the functions or of the different deficiency states.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Nutrition mnemonic?

ADEK. It helps you recall: Fat-soluble vitamins.

What does "A" stand for?

Retinol

What does "D" stand for?

Calciferol

What does "E" stand for?

Tocopherol

What are all the parts of the ADEK mnemonic?

A: Retinol; D: Calciferol; E: Tocopherol; K: Phylloquinone.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Nutrition in PSM.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Says nothing of the functions or of the different deficiency states.

How is this useful clinically?

Fat malabsorption causes deficiency of all four, and excess can accumulate toxic levels.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a PSM question about Nutrition.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.