disorders of nutrition
Vitamins and Minerals
Introduction
Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients. That is, they cannot be made by the body from other substances in the diet. Thus, vitamins and minerals must be consumed in the diet. Overview of Vitamins None Water soluble: Vitamin C and the eight members of the vitamin B complex Fat soluble: Vitamins A, D, E, and K Only vitamins A, D, E, K and B12 are stored to any large extent in the body. Overview of Minerals None Minerals required in small amounts (trace minerals) are considered micronutrients. They includechromium,copper, fluoride, iodine, iron,manganese, molybdenum,selenium, and zinc. Except forchromium, all of these minerals are incorporated into enzymes or hormones required in metabolism.Chromiumhelps the body keep blood sugar levels normal. Trace minerals such as arsenic, cobalt, fluoride, nickel, silicon, and vanadium, which may be essential in animal nutrition, have not been established as requirements in human nutrition. Fluoride helps stabilize the mineral content of bones and teeth by forming a stable compound with calcium and thus helps prevent tooth decay. All trace minerals are toxic at high levels, and some (arsenic, nickel, andchromium) can cause cancer. 