Vitamins and minerals are important because they help your body perform various functions. Vitamins fall into two main categories, fat-soluble and water-soluble. Your body can store fat-soluble vitamins in your adipose or fat tissue while water-soluble vitamins are generally used immediately, the New York Times Health Guide explains. Minerals may be grouped according to the amount of minerals your body requires. Your body needs sizable amounts of calcium, whereas it only needs trace amounts of minerals such as iron and zinc per day.
Assist in Physical Growth and Development
Vitamins and minerals contribute to physical growth and development. Some vitamins and minerals help in the absorption of nutrients such as calcium and protein, which are required for growth. Others help in the formation and development of cells. Children and adolescents, for instance, need vitamins such as A and B-9 to grow and develop, the New York Times Health Guide notes. Vitamin A is an example of a vitamin that aids in the growth and development of your cells. It also helps you develop good eyesight. Vitamin B-9 is essential to making the DNA needed for continued tissue growth and development. Vitamin C helps produce collagen tissue that helps keep your cells together. Vitamin C also helps your bones absorb calcium, helping them become strong and grow. Zinc, phosphorus and calcium are examples of minerals your body needs to develop. Calcium and phosphorus help your body develop and strengthen bones. Some examples of food containing zinc are oysters and dried beans, KidsHealth explains. Phosphorus can be found in dairy products and meat. Soy, cheese and broccoli contain calcium.
Facilitate Nutrient Absorption and Elevate Energy Levels
Your body needs vitamins and minerals to utilize the energy in food, the American Cancer Society explains. Thiamine, or vitamin B-1, is an example of vitamins that the body uses to convert carbohydrates into energy. Vitamin B-6 helps the body use protein, a nutrient that helps build and repair muscles and produces energy. Magnesium is a mineral your body uses to produce energy. Food such as avocado, bananas and chocolate contain magnesium.
Heighten Immune Response and Healing
Certain vitamins and minerals are necessary in keeping your immune system working. Zinc is a good example of a mineral that your body uses to keep your immunity strong, KidsHealth notes. Vitamins A, C and E are examples of vitamins that boost your immune response and healing ability.
Help Form and Maintain Cells and Tissue
Some types of vitamins such as vitamins B-12 and B-6 help form your red blood cells. Vitamin B-3 keeps your skin healthy. Vitamins C and E protect your cells from damage. Your body needs vitamin C to keep your bones and gums healthy. Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus are necessary to form bones and keep them strong.
Lower Risk of Negative Health Conditions
Vitamins and minerals are vital in lowering your risk of developing health conditions such as cancer. Vitamin B-3 is a vitamin that helps lower your cholesterol levels, the New York Times Health Guide notes. Vitamins A, C and E have antioxidant properties that your body uses to protect your cells from free radical damage. This lowers your risk of developing cancer, the American Cancer Society notes. Calcium and magnesium can keep your bones strong and lower your risk of developing osteoporosis.
Maintain Muscular and Nervous Systems
Phosphorus and potassium are minerals your body needs to keep your muscle and nervous systems functioning within normal parameters. Magnesium, vitamins B-1 and B-3 facilitate nerve function. Vitamins B-6 and B-12 help your brain and central nervous system function.
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