What is the Difference between Vitamins and Minerals?

Vitamins and minerals are different categories of nutrients that help support overall health. Both vitamins and minerals are considered micronutrients, meaning the body only needs them in small amounts. Larger amounts or too much vitamin or mineral may do more harm than good.

What Is The Difference Between Vitamins And Minerals?

Vitamins are organic compounds required in small quantities. The body does not produce these in huge amounts, and needs to come from food. These vitamins can be water soluble or fat soluble. The body cannot store water-soluble vitamins for long. They are excreted in the urine. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the fatty tissues and liver. These can be stored in the body for several days.

Minerals can be obtained from cereals, bread, meat, fish, milk, nuts, etc. The body requires not all minerals. For instance, the body requires calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium and potassium more than iron and zinc. From the difference between vitamins and minerals, they differ in their biological function and chemical composition. To maintain a good body, one should maintain a balanced diet to get sufficient vitamins and minerals daily.

Why Are Vitamins And Minerals Important For The Body?

Vitamins and minerals boost the immune system, support normal growth and development, and help cells and organs do their jobs. For example, you’ve probably heard that carrots are good for your eyes. 

Carrots are full of substances called carotenoids that your body converts into vitamin A, which helps prevent eye problems.

Vitamin K helps blood clot, so cuts and scrapes stop bleeding quickly. You’ll find vitamin K in green leafy vegetables, broccoli, and soybeans. And to have strong bones, you need to eat foods such as milk, yogurt, and green leafy vegetables, which are rich in mineral calcium.

Which Are More Important, Vitamins Or Minerals?

Vitamins and minerals are essential substances our bodies need to develop and function normally. 

The known vitamins include A, C, D, E, and K, and the B vitamins: thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxal (B6), cobalamin (B12), biotin, and folate/folic acid. 

Several minerals are essential for health: calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine, sulphur, cobalt, copper, fluoride, manganese, and selenium. 

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020 recommends that people aim to meet their nutrient requirements through a healthy eating pattern that includes nutrient-dense foods. Most individuals can get all of the necessary vitamins and minerals through a healthy eating pattern of nutrient-dense foods. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020 provides recommendations for specific populations, including women who are or may become pregnant, women who breastfeed, and people ages 50 and over.

What Do Vitamins Do To The Body?

Here are some examples of how different vitamins help you maintain health:

• Release energy. Several B vitamins are key components of certain coenzymes (molecules that aid enzymes) that help release energy from food.
• Produce energy. Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and biotin engage in energy production.
• Build proteins and cells. Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid metabolize amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) and help cells multiply.
• Make collagen. One of the many roles vitamin C plays is to help make collagen, which knits together wounds, supports blood vessel walls, and forms a base for teeth and bones.

Recommended supplements that are packed with vitamins and minerals:

• Vitafizz Plus is an oral vitamin supplement recommended for an active, dynamic and healthy lifestyle. It enhances the immune system and helps improve the overall condition of a person. It is rich in antioxidant that helps protect the body’s cell from harmful substance. Vitafizz Plus is suitable for athletes and pregnant and breastfeeding women. Older adults and smokers who need higher vitamin supplies may also take this vitamin.