Can You Live On Vitamins & Minerals Alone?

Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that are essential for health and prevention of disease. Nonetheless, foods do not contain just vitamins and minerals, and you cannot live on these micronutrients alone. Vitamins and minerals do not provide energy to the body, which is supplied by macronutrients that include fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Consult your doctor about your diet and the roles macronutrients, vitamins and minerals play in promoting your health and reducing risk of disease.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals play numerous roles in your body. Vitamin A is essential for vision and preventing infections. The B-vitamins assist enzymes in breaking down carbohydrates and proteins, build red blood cells and support nerve function. Vitamin C strengthens blood vessels and promotes healing of wounds and infections. Vitamin D supports the growth of bones and teeth. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cell membranes from harmful chemicals. Vitamin K supports formation of blood clots. Calcium builds bones and teeth. Magnesium supports bone health and muscle, nerve and immune function. Phosphorous helps to convert food to energy. Potassium regulates fluid balance and blood pressure. Zinc helps to heal wounds. Iron carries oxygen to your cells. Chromium works with insulin in sugar metabolism.

Fat

Fat provides 9 calories per g of food, the most energy of any macronutrient. Fat is vital for healthy cell membranes, hormone production and absorption of fat -soluble vitamins that include vitamins A, D, E and K. There are two types of fats. Healthy fats include monounsaturated fats found in olive oil and nuts, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-3 fatty acids, that are found in fish, walnuts and flaxseeds. Unhealthy fats include saturated fats from meat and dairy and trans fats, which are industrial processed hydrogenated vegetable oils used in processed foods.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates provide 4 calories per g. There are three types of carbohydrates. Sugars in foods include fructose from fruit, lactose from milk and maltose from cereal grains. Your body digests and converts these sugars into glucose, the sugar your cells use for energy. Starches, such as wheat, corn, barley and other whole grains, are digested and broken down into glucose. Dietary fibers are the third type of carbohydrate, yet are indigestible substances that can lower your cholesterol and blood sugar and increase bulk in the transit and elimination of waste from your intestinal tract.

Protein

Protein also supplies 4 calorie per g, yet these macronutrients are best suited to grow, repair, maintain and provide structure to your cells and tissues. Proteins are made up of amino acids, 20vof which can be part of the protein structure. Of these 20 amino acids, nine amino acids are essential because your body cannot produce them. The best sources of complete proteins are lean meat, fish, dairy and soy. Plant sources of protein, such as legumes and whole grains, contain incomplete proteins, which contain some, but not all, of the essential amino acids.