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Vitamins & Minerals
Basic Nutrients Unit
Vitamins & Minerals
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Vitamins and minerals are needed for growth and
good health.
The vitamins and minerals you need are found in
the food you eat.
It's important to eat a balanced diet that includes
fruits and vegetables.
Some food is enriched. This means that vitamins or
minerals were added.
For example, bread and milk are enriched. Some
people also take vitamin pills.
Vitamins & Minerals
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Vitamins are chemical compounds and minerals are chemical
elements.
They are nutrients for the human body that are contained
within food substances.
Vitamins control the chemical reactions within the body to
convert food into energy and living tissue.
They help the body use the energy nutrients, maintain normal
body tissue, acts as a regulator, and are only needed in small
amounts.
Minerals are needed for several body functions including
building strong bones, transmitting nerve signals, maintaining
a normal heartbeat, and are used to produce necessary
hormones.
Vitamins & Minerals
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There are thirteen needed vitamins, four that
are produced in the body itself.
Biotin, pantothenic acid, and vitamin K are
made in the human intestine and usually in
adequate amounts to meet the body's needs.
Sunlight on the skin surfaces can produce
sufficient amounts of vitamin K.
The remaining vitamins must be supplied in
the daily diet.
Vitamins & Minerals
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Each vitamin and mineral substance meets specific
body needs that one of the other compounds cannot
substitute or act for instead.
However, the lack or deficiency of one of them can
sometimes interfere with another vitamin or
mineral's function.
If a vitamin or mineral deficiency continues, the
person can incur a related disease such as beriberi,
pellagra, rickets, and scurvy.
Conversely, too much of some minerals and
vitamins brings on a toxic condition.
Vitamins & Minerals
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The best and recommended way for a
healthy person to obtain needed vitamins and
minerals is to eat well-balanced meals.
A daily diet of varied foods can provide
needed vitamin and mineral nutrients for
maintaining a healthy body.
Some people also take processed or
manufactured vitamins in pill, liquid, or
capsule form.