Vitamins, Minerals & Antioxidants

Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are micronutrients your body needs for health and prevention of disease. A deficiency of any one of these substances can increase your risk of health problems. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Dietary Guidelines recommends you eat a balanced diet of nutrient-dense foods to meet your nutritional needs and use supplements for nutrients you may lack in your diet. Consult your doctor about your health and dietary requirements for vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Vitamins

Vitamins are organic compounds that participate in numerous metabolic functions throughout your body. Vitamin A plays a vital role in your eyesight and stimulation of the immune system. The B vitamins support proper functioning of your nervous system. Vitamin C stimulates your immune system to defend your body from infectious diseases. Vitamin D is essential for your blood to absorb calcium from food and to stimulate bone growth. Vitamin E slows the aging process of your cells and tissues. Vitamin K stimulates blood clotting.

Minerals

Minerals are inorganic elements that play different, yet vital roles in your body. Calcium and magnesium are the most abundant minerals in your body and are involved with production of bones and teeth. Phosphorous is also involved with bone metabolism. Iron is plays a role in the ability of red blood cells to bring oxygen to the cells of your body. Trace minerals, such as zinc and manganese, are needed in very small amounts and assist enzymes in chemical reactions in your cells.

Vitamin Antioxidants

Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that protect your cells and tissues from harmful chemicals, such as free radicals. Together, these vitamin antioxidants may help protect your body from developing cancer, a disease in which abnormal cells rapidly multiply, infiltrate and destroy healthy cells. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are good sources of vitamin antioxidants. You can also obtain these antioxidants through dietary supplements, either in combination with other antioxidants, in single-nutrient supplements, multivitamins or multivitamin mineral formulations.

Mineral Antioxidants

Selenium is a mineral with antioxidant properties. Increasing your intake of selenium can protect your cells from harmful substances and slow the aging process. However, consuming excessive amounts of selenium poses increased health risks. Research by scientists at the University of Warwick Medical School in Coventry, England, published in "BMC Public Health" in 2010, discovered that increased dietary intake of selenium above the recommended dietary allowance of 55 mcg per day is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.