![]() ![]() Chloride: Often found in combination with sodium.Sodium: Electrolyte that aids fluid balance and maintenance of blood pressure (24).Magnesium: Assists with over 300 enzyme reactions, including regulation of blood pressure ( 23).Phosphorus: Part of bone and cell membrane structure ( 22).Assists in muscle function and blood vessel contraction ( 21). Calcium: Necessary for proper structure and function of bones and teeth.The macrominerals and some of their functions are: Macrominerals are needed in larger amounts than trace minerals in order to perform their specific roles in your body. Sources and Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) or Adequate Intakes (AIs) of water-soluble vitamins are ( 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16): Since these vitamins are not stored in your body, it’s important to get enough of them from food. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): Required for the creation of neurotransmitters and collagen, the main protein in your skin ( 16).Īs you can see, water-soluble vitamins play an important role in producing energy but also have several other functions. ![]() Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): Necessary for red blood cell formation and proper nervous system and brain function ( 15).Vitamin B9 (folate): Important for proper cell division ( 14).Vitamin B7 (biotin): Plays a role in the metabolism of fatty acids, amino acids and glucose ( 13).Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): Helps your body release sugar from stored carbohydrates for energy and create red blood cells ( 12).Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): Necessary for fatty acid synthesis ( 11).Vitamin B3 (niacin): Drives the production of energy from food ( 9, 10).Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): Necessary for energy production, cell function and fat metabolism ( 8).Vitamin B1 (thiamine): Helps convert nutrients into energy ( 7).The water-soluble vitamins - with some of their functions - are: A lot of these reactions are necessary for energy production. While each water-soluble vitamin has a unique role, their functions are related.įor example, most B vitamins act as coenzymes that help trigger important chemical reactions. They’re not easily stored in your body and get flushed out with urine when consumed in excess. Most vitamins dissolve in water and are therefore known as water-soluble. Regardless of type, vitamins and minerals are absorbed in similar ways in your body and interact in many processes. Vitamins and minerals can be divided into four categories: water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins, macrominerals and trace minerals. They’re critical for several important functions in your body and must be consumed from food. Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals are vital for growth, immune function, brain development and many other important functions ( 1, 2, 3).ĭepending on their function, certain micronutrients also play a role in preventing and fighting disease ( 4, 5, 6). The micronutrient content of each food is different, so it’s best to eat a variety of foods to get enough vitamins and minerals.Īn adequate intake of all micronutrients is necessary for optimal health, as each vitamin and mineral has a specific role in your body. When you eat, you consume the vitamins that plants and animals created or the minerals they absorbed. On the other hand, minerals are inorganic, exist in soil or water and cannot be broken down. Vitamins are organic compounds made by plants and animals which can be broken down by heat, acid or air. That’s why they’re also referred to as essential nutrients. Humans must obtain micronutrients from food since your body cannot produce vitamins and minerals - for the most part. Your body needs smaller amounts of micronutrients relative to macronutrients. Macronutrients, on the other hand, include proteins, fats and carbohydrates. The term micronutrients is used to describe vitamins and minerals in general.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |