The body is composed of different organs that perform specific functions to keep the body healthy. Each organ is composed of cells that support the organ and perform its functions. These cells require vitamins and minerals to work properly. A dietitian, physician or other health care professional should be consulted for dietary advice and the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Lipid-Soluble Vitamins
According to "Nutrition Concepts and Controversies" by Frances Sizer and Ellie Whitney, lipid soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E and K. Vitamin A is necessary for vision and the development of skin and similar tissues. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to numerous diseases. It helps to regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the body. Vitamin E is thought to be an antioxidant that prevents damage from chemicals called free radicals. Vitamin K helps blood to clot.
Water-Soluble Vitamins
Water-soluble vitamins include vitamins B1 thiamine, B2 riboflavin, B3 niacin, B5 pantothenic acid, B6 pyridoxine, B7 biotin, B9 folate, B12 cobalamin and finally vitamin C ascorbic acid. These vitamins act as co-factors for many enzymes. A co-factor is a substance, such as a vitamin, needed for a body process to proceed. An enzyme is a specialized protein that increases the rates of chemical reactions. For example, thiamine or vitamin B1 helps enzymes to transfer phosphates to chemicals, and vitamin C helps the body make collagen, a support protein found in connective tissues, according to "Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease."
Minerals that Form Structures
Most calcium in the body is used to form bones. Bones help to protect and support the body. The calcium in bone also provides a reservoir for blood calcium. Calcium in the blood is necessary for normal cellular functioning. Many different minerals work together to help cells to function.
Minerals that Help Perform Functions
The cells of the body are electrically charged. The electrical charge helps cells to communicate with their surroundings and perform work. Sodium, potassium, magnesium, phosphate, calcium and chloride all help this electrical charge to operate. As an example, the heart beats from electrical signaling. Certain cells in the heart, called pacemaker cells, take calcium into them from the blood, making them more positively charged. After a point, sodium rushes in, causing the cells to be very positively charged. Proteins in these cells open and more sodium rushes in to neighboring cells; the positive charge from sodium is passed through the heart and it contracts. As soon as this occurs, potassium rushes out of the cells making them negative again, and the cycle can repeat. In addition, minerals help transfer energy and modify proteins and other chemicals, according to "Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry" by Drs. David L. Nelson and Michael M. Cox.
References
- "Nutrition Concepts and Controversies"; Frances Sizer and Ellie Whitney; 11th Edition; 2007
- "Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry"; David L. Nelson and Michael M. Cox; 4th Ed 2004
- "Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease"; Vinay Kumar, et al; 8th Edition; 2009
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