The human body is amazing, with an extraordinary ability to perform efficiently and to stay healthy.
But our bodies are not self-sufficient, and we need to take in key nutrients which include vitamins and minerals in order to stay healthy.
We can produce our own niacin, biotin, and vitamin D, but we get all other vitamins and minerals only from food or alternative sources such as multivitamin supplements.
People who do not have access to nutrient rich foods may suffer from vitamin deficiency diseases, such as rickets and scurvy.
Although western countries like the U.
S.
generally have diets with high nutritional quality, some folks with poor diets, including high intake of junk food and lacking fruit and vegetables, may also be deficient in key nutrients.
Specific needs for key nutrients are published as recommended daily allowances (RDA).
So how are vitamins grouped, which ones can we store in our bodies, and whichminerals are key to ensure a healthy diet? Here's 7 key points to help you understand these important nutrients better: - There are thirteen different types of vitamins, which can be broadly grouped into water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins.
- Fat soluble vitamins such as vitamin groups A, D, E and K are stored in the body, and hence vitamin supplements containing vitamin A may not be necessary as the RDA may be exceeded.
Vitamin D is important to enable absorption of calcium.
- Water soluble vitamins are important daily nutritional requirements.
These include vitamin B group and vitamin C, or ascorbic acid.
Any vitamin C or B that your body doesn't use as it passes through your system is lost, and must be replaced daily.
- Minerals are inorganic (non-carbon) molecules some of which are essential in small (trace) quantities.
Some minerals such as calcium are essential for bones and teeth; some are vital components of body tissues and fluids.
Some minerals such as zinc, iron and magnesium are essential for enzyme or other body systems, while others such as sodium and potassium are critical in nerve action.
- Mineral requirements vary depending on age, sex, physical condition (for example fit, frail, pregnancy) and often depends on lifestyle and diet.
- Iron deficiency anemia is the most common mineral deficiency in the world, mostly affecting women and young children.
But excess of some minerals such as sodium may contribute to high blood pressure.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements should only be taken after consultation with a medical or pharmaceutical advisor, and you should do this first if you have any health concerns.
With so many vitamins and minerals at work in our bodies, it can be tough to remember the specialized features and appropriate intakes of each nutrient.
Luckily, you do not need to memorize the particular information relating to each nutrient.
Eating a well-balanced diet of a variety of whole, fresh food will supply all the minerals and vitamins your body needs to function effectively.
But our bodies are not self-sufficient, and we need to take in key nutrients which include vitamins and minerals in order to stay healthy.
We can produce our own niacin, biotin, and vitamin D, but we get all other vitamins and minerals only from food or alternative sources such as multivitamin supplements.
People who do not have access to nutrient rich foods may suffer from vitamin deficiency diseases, such as rickets and scurvy.
Although western countries like the U.
S.
generally have diets with high nutritional quality, some folks with poor diets, including high intake of junk food and lacking fruit and vegetables, may also be deficient in key nutrients.
Specific needs for key nutrients are published as recommended daily allowances (RDA).
So how are vitamins grouped, which ones can we store in our bodies, and whichminerals are key to ensure a healthy diet? Here's 7 key points to help you understand these important nutrients better: - There are thirteen different types of vitamins, which can be broadly grouped into water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins.
- Fat soluble vitamins such as vitamin groups A, D, E and K are stored in the body, and hence vitamin supplements containing vitamin A may not be necessary as the RDA may be exceeded.
Vitamin D is important to enable absorption of calcium.
- Water soluble vitamins are important daily nutritional requirements.
These include vitamin B group and vitamin C, or ascorbic acid.
Any vitamin C or B that your body doesn't use as it passes through your system is lost, and must be replaced daily.
- Minerals are inorganic (non-carbon) molecules some of which are essential in small (trace) quantities.
Some minerals such as calcium are essential for bones and teeth; some are vital components of body tissues and fluids.
Some minerals such as zinc, iron and magnesium are essential for enzyme or other body systems, while others such as sodium and potassium are critical in nerve action.
- Mineral requirements vary depending on age, sex, physical condition (for example fit, frail, pregnancy) and often depends on lifestyle and diet.
- Iron deficiency anemia is the most common mineral deficiency in the world, mostly affecting women and young children.
But excess of some minerals such as sodium may contribute to high blood pressure.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements should only be taken after consultation with a medical or pharmaceutical advisor, and you should do this first if you have any health concerns.
With so many vitamins and minerals at work in our bodies, it can be tough to remember the specialized features and appropriate intakes of each nutrient.
Luckily, you do not need to memorize the particular information relating to each nutrient.
Eating a well-balanced diet of a variety of whole, fresh food will supply all the minerals and vitamins your body needs to function effectively.
SHARE
