Last Updated : 21 May, 2024
Summarize
Comments
Improve
Vitamins and minerals are important micronutrients needed in small amounts to maintain the normal health of an organism. Vitamins and Minerals do not directly supply energy but play vital roles in metabolic processes and energy extraction from macronutrients. They act as coenzymes and cofactors in metabolic processes. Minerals can not be synthesized by the human body and hence must be taken from dietary sources for metabolic functions. In this article, we will cover vitamins and minerals, their types, and sources.
Table of Content
- What are Vitamins?
- Types of Vitamins
- Fat Soluble
- Vitamins and Their Functions, Sources, and Deficiency Chart
- What are Minerals?
- What are the Sources and Functions of Minerals?
- Difference Between Vitamins and Minerals
- Conclusion - Vitamins And Minerals
- FAQs on Vitamins and Minerals
What are Vitamins?
Vitamins are organic molecules that play crucial roles in the metabolic processes that facilitate the extraction of energy from macronutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Each vitamin serves distinct purposes and contributes to various bodily functions. In total, there are 13 vitamins, with 8 belonging to the B-group of vitamins. These diverse vitamins collectively support and influence different aspects of our overall health and well-being.
Also Read: Difference between Micronutrients and Macronutrients
Types of Vitamins
Vitamins are broadly classified into 2 types:
Fat Soluble
The fat soluble vitamins include:
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is present in the liver, eggs, whole milk, and butter. Insufficient vitamin A can cause dry skin, eye issues, hindered development, and night blindness.
Vitamin B
B-group vitamins are present in dietary products such as whole grains, meat, eggs, and leafy green vegetables. Deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to various health issues.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is a colorless, odorless crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water. Its sources include citrus fruits, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, and fresh fruits. Insufficient vitamin C leads to difficulties in collagen formation, fortifying the skin, blood vessels, and bones.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for bone health. Only 5-10% of Vitamin D is sourced from diet, found in fatty fish, eggs, and fortified dairy. Deficiency risks osteoporosis, fractures, and rickets, preventable in children. Treatment for vitamin D deficiency includes sunlight exposure, a balanced diet, exercise, and supplements.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a vital biological antioxidant. It found in meats, egg yolks, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and healthy oils. Vitamin E deficiency causes fat malabsorption like cystic fibrosis. Infants born before transferring vitamin E from mothers can experience erythrocyte hemolysis.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K plays an important role in the formation of blood clots. Vitamin K deficiency hampers blood clotting, posing a life-threatening risk. Vitamin K deficiency is exceedingly rare in humans. A small percentage of infants may experience hemorrhagic disease of the newborn, a potentially fatal disorder.
Vitamins and Their Functions, Sources, and Deficiency Chart
Vitamins come in several forms, which are covered below:
Vitamins | Solubility | Sources | Role | Deficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Vitamin A | Fat Soluble | Liver, eggs, whole milk, and butter. | Maintain vision, skin, myelin, and growth. | Dry skin, eye issues, hindered development, and night blindness. |
Vitamin B1 | Water soluble | Yeast, milk, green vegetables, pork. | Energy production, nerve activity | Beri-Beri |
Vitamin B2 | Water soluble | Soybean, egg white | Fetus development | Cheilosis |
Vitamin B3 | Water soluble | Green leafy vegetables, cereals | Maintain NAD, NADP, and lipid catabolism. | Pellagra |
Vitamin B5 | Water soluble | Mushroom, sunflower oil | Carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism. | Inadequate growth |
Vitamin B6 | Water soluble | Meat, milk, cereals | Carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism. | Convulsions |
Vitamin B7 | Water soluble | Grains, milk, egg yolk | Biosynthesis of aspartic acid and unsaturated fatty acids. Maintain health of skin, hair, bone marrow. | Depression, muscle pain, hair loss. |
Vitamin B9 | Water soluble | Egg, beet root, meat | Nucleic acid synthesis, differentiation of embryonic nervous system. | Megaloblastic anaemia |
Vitamin B12 | Water soluble | Fish, egg, meat | Maintain epithelial cells. Synthesis of nucleic acid, protein, and lipid. | Pernicious anemia |
Vitamin C | Water soluble | Citrus fruits | Iron absorption, Antioxidant. | Scurvy |
Vitamin D | Fat soluble | Fish liver oil, sunlight | Calcium and Phosphorus absorption, maintain calcium and phosphorus level in serum. | Rickets |
Vitamin E | Fat soluble | Oils of cotton seed, sunflower, wheat grain | Antioxidant, muscular metabolism. | Muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis. |
Vitamin K | Fat soluble | Soybean oil, tomato, green leafy vegetables | Blood clotting, synthesis of prothrombin. | Hemorrhagic diseases |
What are Minerals?
Minerals are important for body functions and are categorized as major or trace minerals. These minerals play crucial roles in maintaining overall health. The minerals in human bnody are divided into two categories:
Major Minerals
These are required in relatively large quantities and include:
- Calcium: Essential for bone and teeth health, muscle function, and blood clotting.
- Potassium: Helps maintain fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions.
- Magnesium: Important for energy production, muscle function, and bone health.
- Phosphorus: Vital for bone and teeth formation, energy metabolism, and cell signaling.
- Sodium: Regulates fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions.
Trace Minerals
These are required in small quantities and include:
- Iron: Necessary for oxygen transport, energy metabolism, and DNA synthesis.
- Zinc: Supports immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.
- Copper: Important for iron metabolism, connective tissue formation, and antioxidant function.
- Iodine: Essential for thyroid hormone production and regulation of metabolism.
- Selenium: Acts as an antioxidant, supports thyroid function, and immune system health.
- Manganese: Involved in bone formation, carbohydrate metabolism, and antioxidant defense.
- Chromium: Helps regulate blood sugar levels and metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
What are the Sources and Functions of Minerals?
There are several minerals, few of which are stated with their roles:
Minerala | Source | Role |
|---|---|---|
Calcium (Ca) | Dairy, plant-based foods, almonds, and green vegetables. | Essential for bones, teeth, muscle regulation, blood clotting, and nervous system transmission. |
Iodine | Dairy, seafood, eggs, and iodized salt. | Thyroid hormone production, influences metabolic rate, growth, and brain development. |
Zinc (Zn) | Red meat, shellfish, poultry, dairy, whole grains, and cereals with added zinc. | Growth, immune function, and vitamin A activation. |
Magnesium (Mg) | Nuts, legumes, dark green vegetables, seafood, whole grains, and chocolate. | Maintains bone health, aids glucose utilization, immune function, and regulates blood pressure and lung function. |
Potassium (K) | Bananas, apricots, mushrooms, spinach, nuts, and seeds. | Nerve, muscle, and heart function, as well as bloFluid balance (excessive intake can lead to health issues like hypertension).od pressure regulation. |
Sodium (Na) | Salt, with natural amounts in whole grains, meat, and dairy. | Fluid balance (excessive intake can lead to health issues like hypertension). |
Difference Between Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals both are needed in our body for its proper functioning. Let's discuss about their difference in detail here:
Aspect | Vitamins | Minerals |
|---|---|---|
Definition | Organic compounds essential for various bodily functions. | Inorganic substances required for various bodily functions. |
Classification | Divided into fat-soluble (A, D, E,K) and water-soluble (B complex, C). | Classified as major minerals, required in larger quantities, and trace minerals, needed in smaller amounts. |
Function | Structural components, enzyme activity | Coenzymes, regulators of metabolism |
| Storage | Fat-soluble can be stored but water-soluble excreted | Not stored extensively |
Toxicity | Excess can be toxic, especially fat-soluble vitamins | Excess can be toxic, may cause adverse effects. |
Also Read: Difference Between Minerals and Vitamins
Conclusion - Vitamins And Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that play diverse and critical roles in maintaining human health. Vitamins, categorized into fat-soluble and water-soluble types, contribute to various bodily functions, from energy production to immune support. Deficiencies in vitamins can lead to a range of health issues, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Similarly, minerals, divided into major and trace categories, are crucial for bone health, muscle function, and metabolic processes. A varied diet incorporating sources of both vitamins and minerals is essential for overall well-being and disease prevention. By understanding the sources and functions of these nutrients, individuals can make informed choices to support their health.
Also Read:
- Types and Function of Nutrients
- Facts About Vitamins and Minerals
- Scientific Name of Vitamins and Their Sources
- Difference Between Minerals and Vitamins
FAQs on Vitamins and Minerals
What are 3 Most Important Vitamins and Minerals?
3 Most Important Vitamins and Minerals are Vitamin D, Calcium, and Iron.
What are 5 Examples of Vitamins and Minerals?
5 examples of vitamins and minerals are Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Iron, Calcium, Zinc.
What are the 13 Types of Vitamins?
13 types of vitamins: Vitamin A, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), B7 (Biotin), B9 (Folate), B12 (Cobalamin), Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K.
What are Vitamins and Minerals?
Vitamins are organic compounds necessary for various bodily functions, while minerals are inorganic substances essential for maintaining health and facilitating bodily processes.
What are Micronutrients?
Micronutrients, comprising vitamins and minerals, are vital nutrients needed in small amounts. Although they don't directly supply energy, these essential elements play pivotal roles in metabolic processes, facilitating the extraction of energy from macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Why are Vitamins considered Coenzymes?
Coenzymes are substances that activate enzymes for reactions. Vitamins play a crucial role in activating enzymes for metabolic reactions and are, therefore, considered coenzymes.
What are the Two types of Minerals?
Major minerals, needed in greater quantities, consist of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chloride, and magnesium. Trace minerals, essential in smaller proportions, involve iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, and selenium.
Which Type of vitamin K is Produced in Plants and Animals?
Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is present in green plant leaves, while a related form, vitamin K2 (menaquinone), is produced by bacteria in the vertebrate intestine.
Next Article
Facts About Vitamins and Minerals
mintupi6b4
Improve
Article Tags :
- School Biology
- School Learning
- Biochemistry
- Human-Physiology
Similar Reads
- Vitamins And Minerals Vitamins and minerals are important micronutrients needed in small amounts to maintain the normal health of an organism. Vitamins and Minerals do not directly supply energy but play vital roles in metabolic processes and energy extraction from macronutrients. They act as coenzymes and cofactors in m 8 min read
- Facts About Vitamins and Minerals Facts About Vitamins and Minerals: Minerals and vitamins are essential nutrients required by the human body to function properly. They play vital roles in various bodily processes, including metabolism, immune function, and overall health maintenance. In this article, we will cover some fun facts ab 6 min read
- Rocks and Minerals Rocks and minerals are known to be the important foundational materials for the sustenance of the planet. The formation of landscapes that provide provision for all the necessary resources that are needed by our environment is provided by rocks and minerals. By knowing about these structures, we wil 4 min read
- Difference Between Minerals and Vitamins Vitamins and minerals are needed for the maintenance of a healthy human body. The vitamins and minerals that are needed for the human body are considered to be the same by many people. However, they are different in various aspects. The similarity between these two is they are needed for maintaining 5 min read
- Facts About Vitamin B crucialFacts About Vitamin B: VitaminsÍ B are a Íset of 8 water-soluble vitamins that make Íup the B complex. Since they dissolve in water, they are ÍeliminÍated from the body and should be consumed ÍregularlyÍ in food. They are essential vitamins for Íhuman body. This vitamin B is abundant in Ífrui 5 min read
- Minerals and Energy Resources Resources refer to anything which can be used for the benefit of humans. The term "resource" is used usually in the context of natural resources that are non-exhaustible and renewable. Minerals refers to the resources that come from minerals whereas energy resources refer to those resources which en 11 min read
- Scientific Name of Vitamins and Their Sources Scientific Name of Vitamins and Their Sources: Scientific names are given to vitamins similar to what is given to plants and animals. These names were given based on the chemical properties, physical proteins, and biochemical nature of the vitamins. The term âvitamineâ was given in 1912 by Dr. Casim 6 min read
- Mineral Riches in the Soil Soil minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic substances found in soil, such as sand, clay, and various metal oxides. Minerals in the soil are essential for plant growth and soil fertility. The outermost layer of the earth, known as crust, is covered with a mixture of organic and inorganic materi 10 min read
- Uptake and Transport Of Mineral Nutrients Different synthetic substances, including, water, chemicals, and natural solutes are moved by plants in little good ways (starting with one cell then onto the next) and enormous good ways (from the roots to the tips of stems on account of water). Movement by the mass stream is the term for significa 4 min read
- Difference Between Vitamin D and D3 Explore the difference between Vitamin D and D3, important for knowing their distinct roles in health and supplementation. While both contribute to overall well-being, understanding their differences is important. Delve into their sources, benefits, and implications to make informed choices for opti 5 min read
