The human body is a biological machine that requires numerous substances to operate properly. Vitamins, organic substances found in plants and animals, as well as inorganic minerals absorbed by plants and animals, play a key role in the body's ability to regulate itself and maintain proper health.
The Basics
Every person requires vitamins and minerals throughout their lives. These substances play a unique role in your ability to both grow and maintain health. The human body is unable to produce a number of vitamins and minerals, and the only way to get the required amount is to ingest them, usually on a daily basis. Some minerals, such as iron, selenium and zinc, are known as trace minerals because the body only needs very small amounts of them to maintain adequate health.
Health Effects
Vitamins and minerals have varied health effects depending on the kind of vitamin and the amount you ingest. For example, calcium, the most abundant mineral found in the body, plays a key role in circulation, muscle function, inter-cellular activity and bone development, according to the National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. If you fail to get enough calcium, known as a calcium deficiency, you can experience problems such as bone loss and osteoporosis, while too much calcium can lead to problems such as kidney stones.
Amounts
How much of each vitamin and mineral a person needs differs based mainly on the person's age, sex and the nutrient. The Office of Dietary Supplements reports that the recommended daily allowance of calcium for a child between the ages of 4 and 8 is 1,000 milligrams per day. The recommended daily allowance for a 55-year-old man is also 1,000 mg, while a 55-year old woman needs 1,200 mg per day.
Sources
Most people get their vitamins and minerals from the foods they eat every day. Different foods contain different substances, and in various amounts. For example, according to the Texas Heart Institute, Vitamin A is commonly found in dairy products and dark-green leafy vegetables, while Vitamin B-6 is found in meats and whole grains. People who do not get enough vitamins and minerals from what they eat can use dietary supplements as part of a balanced diet.
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