Our body needs all kinds of vitamins and minerals to function properly. We find these in healthy, unprocessed foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
The human body needs vitamins and minerals to stay alive and healthy. Vitamins are nutrients found in plants and animals.
There are two types of vitamins. One kind is water soluble, the other fat. Water-soluble vitamins are easily absorbed by the body. These types of vitamins are not stored in the body and excess amounts are eliminated through the urine. Vitamins B and C are such water-soluble vitamins.
Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed by the body using bile, a digestive juice produced by the liver. The body stores these types of vitamins in fat reserves for later use. Vitamins A, D and E are fat soluble.
Dietary minerals are inorganic substances that occur in soil and water and are also necessary for health. Dietary minerals include iron, magnesium and calcium. Most vitamins and mineral nutrients are part of a balanced diet, but modern cooking methods such as processing, cooking and radiation exposure can lose such necessary nutrients.
That’s why many people use nutritional supplements with vitamins and minerals. Dietary supplements are products that are swallowed and supplement the daily menu. Supplements can be in the form of pills, gel capsules, powders, energy bars and drinks.
It is wise to keep your doctor informed about the nutritional supplements you use, just as you do with your medicines.
