Vitamin & Minerals
Vitamins & Minerals are very important nutrients for our bodies. They are important for proper growth and overall good health. Our bodies require a specified amount each day. Our bodies become deficient and can't operate properly is we are not getting what is required. Too many, however, can lead to toxicity. Too many of certain vitamins & minerals can be almost as harmful as not enough. Our bodies need for vitamins and minerals begins before we are even born, which is why pregnant women need to take prenatal vitamins during their pregnancy.
Some of the nutrients we need are manufactured by our body, but the ones our body can't make we have to get through the foods we eat. This is why it is vital to eat foods that are rich in certain vitamins and minerals. Sometimes, we still can't get what we need in the foods we eat, so we take vitamin & mineral supplements.
Some of the vitamins & minerals are referred to as antioxidants and are being acknowledged for helping to prevent certain diseases. Research has found that certain vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B-6, B-12, Folic acid, calcium and magnesium can help with heart related diseases. The vitamins A, C & E and Selenium are believed to be helpful for heart disease and cancer prevention. When taking daily vitamins or supplements, consult with your doctor if you are also taking prescription medications as one might contradict the other.
There are 13 different vitamins, which are either fat-soluble or water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed by the body and stored in the body's fat tissue. Our diets only need these in moderate amounts to avoid health problems that could arise from excess amount. The four fat-soluble vitamins are Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K.
Water-soluble vitamins are what help to give us energy and control our metabolism. Insufficient daily amounts of any of the water-soluble vitamins can lead to many medical problems, some moderate and some severe or fatal. The water-soluble vitamins are:
• Vitamin B1
• Vitamin B2
• Vitamin B3
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12
• Biotin (Vitamin H)
• Folic Acid
• Pantothenic Acid
• Vitamin C
Minerals can't be made by living organisms and are useful for helping with absorption of vitamins. The minerals also help our cells and metabolism function properly. There are 16 different minerals, which are categorized as either trace minerals or major minerals. The major minerals, which are found in large parts of the body, are:
• Calcium
• Chloride
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Sodium
• Sulfur
Trace minerals, found in small parts of the body, are:
• Chromium
• Copper
• Fluorine
• Iodine
• Iron
• Manganese
• Molybdenum
• Selenium
• Zinc
People can increase the intake of vitamins & minerals by eating foods rich in these like fruits, vegetables and grains or taking supplements.
