Vitamins and Natural Supplements

Vitamins and Minerals

A vitamin is an essential micronutrient that an organism needs in small quantities for the proper functioning of its metabolism. Vitamins are organic molecules that are needed in minute quantities to sustain life.

There are 13 Vitamins needed by the Body Needs.

• They are vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and folate).

• All vitamins can be obtained from the foods you eat.

• Vitamins D and K are synthesized in the body.

• People who eat a vegetarian diet may need to take a vitamin B12 supplement.

A mineral is a chemical element required as an essential nutrient by organisms to perform functions necessary for life. Your body needs certain minerals to build strong bones and teeth and turn the food you eat into energy. As with vitamins, a healthy balanced diet should provide all the minerals your body needs to work properly. Essential minerals include calcium, iron and potassium

Minerals are necessary for 3 main reasons:

• building strong bones and teeth

• controlling body fluids inside and outside cells

• turning the food you eat into energy