Dietary Vitamins Supplements Information
Dietary Vitamins and minerals are substances your body needs in small amounts
for normal growth, function and health. Together, vitamins supplements and minerals
are called micronutrients. Your body can’t make most micronutrients,
so you must get them from the foods you eat or, in some cases, from supplements.
You need dietary vitamins for normal body functions, mental alertness and
resistance to infection. They enable your body to process proteins, carbohydrates
and fats. Certain vitamins also help you produce blood cells, hormones,
genetic material and chemicals in your nervous system. Unlike carbohydrates,
proteins and fats, vitamins and minerals do not provide fuel (calories).
However, they help your body release and use calories from food.
There are 14 Dietary vitamin supplements, which fall into two categories:
Fat-soluble: Dietary Vitamins A, D, E and K. They are stored in your bodys
fat. Some fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A and D, can accumulate
in your body and reach toxic levels.
Water-soluble: Dietary Vitamin C, choline, biotin and the seven B vitamins:
thiamin (B-1), riboflavin (B-2), niacin (B-3), pantothenic acid (B-5),
pyridoxine (B-6), folic acid/folate (B-9) and cobalamin (B-12). Theyre
stored to a lesser extent than fat-soluble vitamins.
Your body also needs minerals. Major minerals those needed
in larger amounts include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium,
potassium and chloride. Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium are important
in the development and health of your bones and teeth. Sodium, potassium
and chloride, known as electrolytes, are important in regulating the water
and chemical balance in your body. In addition, your body needs smaller
amounts of chromium, copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum,
selenium and zinc. These are all necessary for normal growth and health
|
