Vitamins and minerals are substances your body needs in small and steady amounts for normal growth, function and health. Your body cannot make most of these micronutrients, so you must get them from the foods you eat or from dietary supplements.

Vitamins are needed for a variety of biological processes, among them growth, digestion and nerve function. These nutrients are involved in processes that enable your body to use carbohydrates, fat, and proteins for energy and repair. Though vitamins are involved in converting food into energy, they supply no calories. There are two types of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are easily absorbed by your body and not stored in large amounts, as they are removed by your kidneys and excreted in your

urine. Some examples of water-soluble vitamins are the B’s and Vitamin C. Fat-soluble vitamins require your body to use bile acids to be absorbed and are stored in your body fat. When your body needs them, it takes them out of storage. Eating fats or oils that are not digested can cause shortages of fat-soluble vitamins including using mineral oil frequently to treat constipation. Some fatsoluble vitamins are vitamin A, D and E.

Minerals are the main components in your teeth and bones, and serve as building blocks for other cells and enzymes. Minerals also help regulate the balance of fluids in your body and control the movement of nerve impulses. Some minerals also help deliver oxygen to

cells and help carry away carbon dioxide.

Herbs are a type of dietary supplement that exist as a single or mixture of products. An herb (also called a botanical) is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor, and/or therapeutic properties. Many herbs have a long history of use and of claimed health benefits. For example, saw palmetto has been used to treat men with enlarged prostate. Black cohosh is considered to be helpful for women for menopausal symptoms. It is important to know that just because an herbal supplement is labeled “natural” does not mean it is safe or without harmful effects. They can act in much the same way as drugs do. Therefore they can cause medical problems if not used correctly or if taken in large amounts. It is important to consult with your health care provider before using an herbal supplement, especially if you are taking any medications.

 

For more detailed information check out these websites: www.familydoctor.org,  www.nccam.nih.gov   www.healthtouch.com 

 

www.medlineplus.gov   (all topics; interactive tutorials)