Vitamins/Minerals

Everyone needs vitamins and minerals in order for their body to work properly. A lot of the foods you eat provide those vitamins and you don't need them in large amounts. Vitamins are separated into two categories: fat soluble and water soluble. The fat soluble vitamins, which are vitamins A,D, E, and K dissolve in fat and can stored in your body. The water soluble vitamins, which are vitamins C, and the B-complex vitamins, such as B6, B12, niacin, riboflavin, and folate need to dissolve in water before your body can absorb them. Most of the time, your body can't store these vitamins, so it passes right through your body causing you to need these vitamins everyday. Vitamins are organic substances (made by animals or plants) and minerals are inorganic elements that come from the soil and water and are absorbed by plants or are eaten by animals. Your body needs a lot of some minerals, like calcium, while other minerals like chromium, copper, iodine, iron, selenium, and zinc are only needed in very small amounts. Vitamins and minerals help boost the immune system, support normal growth and development, and help cells and organs do their jobs. Eating a variety of foods is the best way to get all the vitamins and minerals you need each day, as well as the right balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and calories. Though, whole or unprocessed foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, and poultry are the best choices for providing the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and grow properly.

Site: http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/nutrition/vitamins_minerals.html