Vitamin And Mineral Benefits Information

Daily consumption of vitamins and minerals is important for everything from keeping your heart beating in a regular rhythm to keeping your bones from breaking. Some vitamins stay in your fat cells; others are water-soluble and washed out of your system daily. Minerals make sure that the vitamins get absorbed and keep your system functioning in top form. Macro-minerals are needed in quantities greater than 100 mg per day. Trace minerals are needed in smaller quantities, less than 100 mg per day. Although used in various quantities, each one plays a vital role in keeping your cells, tissues and organs working.

Water-Soluble Vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins are C and B vitamins. Vitamin C works as an antioxidant, and it assists with wound healing. It is a component of collagen that is found in connective tissue. B vitamins are important to help the body process the energy from food. Folate, one of the B vitamins, plays an important part in prenatal health. These vitamins need to be replaced daily to remain in good health.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble vitamins that are absorbed slowly from your fat cells. Vitamin A helps build your immune system and is important for vision. Vitamin D helps bones absorb calcium and plays an important role in bone health. Vitamin E helps support cell membranes. Along with vitamin A, vitamin E works as an antioxidant to help your body fight off cell damage. Vitamin K is responsible for proper blood clotting.

Macro-Minerals

Macro-minerals are needed in quantities over 100 mg daily. They are calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, sodium, potassium, chloride and magnesium. They function as co-enzymes and help enzymes and other components do their work. Minerals stored in your bone and muscle tissue get released as needed. Minerals must be present in the proper balance for your body to work. Magnesium helps your body absorb calcium and potassium. Potassium regulates your heart rate and helps with muscle contractions. In addition to building strong bones, calcium is an important mineral for your heart muscle. Sodium helps your body maintain water balance and muscle function.

Trace Minerals

Trace minerals include iron, copper, zinc, manganese, iodine and selenium. Trace minerals work with vitamins and macro-minerals to keep your body processes running smoothly. Iron helps with red blood cell production and energy production. Copper assists with the healing process. Zinc is important for improving immune system function and for growth and development. Manganese is an important part of blood sugar regulation, and it also aids the immune system. Selenium protects your immune system and works as an antioxidant. Iodine helps your body metabolize fat and assists with mental development.