You do not need to be an expert in the field of science to understand how much your body needs vitamins and minerals. Regardless of age and weight, each person in this world needs to have ample supply of vitamins and mineral to keep their bodies in good shape. Many scientific establishments have also introduced a number of products to help feed people the right amount of nutrients on a daily basis.

A few years back, most people are not aware of the different vitamins related to the functions of our internal organs and systems. Half a century ago, people were only concentrating on Vitamin C and had not taken the time to explore the other nutrients needed by the body.

Today, people are introduced to new concepts of bodily nutrients. Each vitamin or mineral delves on particular functions that aid in executing human activities. From the most basic Vitamins A, B and C to some of the most complicated names in minerals. Each of these is essential to the human body.

Vitamin C, for instance, is commonly present in the most delectable dishes. This helps provide the body with strong teeth and bones. Vitamin A, on the other hand, takes care of our eyes and their vision as it strengthens the retina to provide better eyesight.

Vitamin D is needed by our bones in order to maintain its strongest features. This type of vitamins can be found in dairy products. If you are looking to have more toned muscles, you can also concentrate on building the supply of Vitamin E in your body.

It may be apparent that men and women have learned to understand the functions of each type of vitamins. However, it is still a challenge for most people to become familiarized with the complicated terms of minerals. Most people can name less than a handful of the minerals present in the food that we eat. The most popular of these less known minerals are phosphorous and magnesium.

In truth, although there are a lot of vitamins and minerals known today, there are still undiscovered facts when it comes to these nutrients. Scientists have dedicated their time in researching those other types of nutrients that are unknown to us today.

As you go through everyday life, make it a point to eat only what is good for your health. Making sure that you have a regular diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals will help in constantly improving your health and lifestyle.

The field of human nutrition is cluttered with controversial topics. One of the biggest controversies that persists today is the multiple vitamin supplement. Animal studies have shown for 40 years that nutritional optimization is beneficial in attaining optimal health. It has been the persistent claim of the American Medical Association over the past 30 years that only malnourished people and pregnant females need vitamin supplements. The question is: can a person optimize their nutritional intake in order to consume optimal levels of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals)? To answer that question we cite a nutritional analysis of a hypothetical one day optimized menu containing the following: orange Juice, blueberries, multiple grain bread, egg, Smart Balance (a butter substitute), plantains, carrots, brown rice, black beans, roast white meat chicken, celery, broccoli, peanuts, apple juice, salmon, sweet potato, spinach, grape juice, pear, and tangerine.

The following list displays the nutritional parameters analyzed, compared to RDA values and ideal micronutrient levels (Kenneth Cooper, Kenneth Pellet) in an optimized 2000 CALORIES menu:

• CALCIUM-660mg, compared to an RDA of 1000mg
• IRON-15mg, compared to an RDA of 18mg
• ZINC-9.9mg, compared to 15mg
• Other nutritional values are within RDA values.

Interestingly, the saturated fat/monounsaturated fat/polyunsaturated fat ratio should minimally be 1/1/1, is actually 11/21/14. This ratio is consistent with the Mediterranean Diet. In the research journal article: Block, et.al. “Usage patterns, health, and nutritional status of long-term multiple dietary supplement users: a cross-sectional study.” Nutrition Journal. 30:12 pages. October 24, 2007, they concluded that the study group that daily consumed a broad array of vitamin/mineral and herbal supplements were more likely to have optimal blood levels of micronutrients than the unsupplemented control group. They also were less likely to have high blood pressure and diabetes. There are numerous research articles that recommend the use of multiple vitamin/mineral supplements. In all fairness there are conflicting journal articles that suggest harmful effects of supplements. The AMA is always quick to warn potential supplement users of the dangers of overdosing on the fat soluble vitamins: A, E, D, and K. They often imply that these dangers apply to all supplements.

In a study: Zhang, et.al. “Effect of multiple micronutrient supplementation on anti-oxidative activity and oxidized DNA damage of lymphocytes in children”, Ahongjua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi, 26:268-72. April 26, 2005, on multiple micronutrient supplements in children, the researchers concluded that “supplementation of multiple micronutrients could effectively increase the (blood) levels of beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C and Selenium.” They also measured a significant decrease in oxidized DNA (gene damage), decreased levels of hydrogen peroxide (a natural, inadvertent oxidation byproduct of metabolism that is harmful to cells) and increased levels of glutathione peroxidase (enzyme that destroys hydrogen peroxide, thus protecting the cell). We can conclude that a multiple micronutrient supplement of the highest quality is an advisable part of any person’s nutritional regimen in order to obtain optimal health status.

Vitamins are the nutritive substances found in the foods that we consume. These substances are required in the body for healthy growth and development and each vitamin plays a specific role in the healthy building of our body. Just for example Vitamin A improves eye sight, Vitamin B synthesizes protein and energy, Vitamin C helps to heal cuts, and Vitamin D strengthens bones.

Types of Health Vitamins, their Functions and Sources

Vitamins are of two types:

Fat soluble -These vitamins get stored in the adipose or fat tissues of our body and some get stored in the liver. These wait within the fat layers of the body until the body feels the need to use them. While some of these fat soluble vitamins are stored in the body for a handful of days, some of these stay up to 6 months. The vitamins that come under this category are:

Vitamin A

Functions:

• Improves Night Vision
• Improves Color Vision
• Maintains Healthy Skin

Sources:

• Milk
• Green leafy vegetables
• Orange fruits

Vitamin D

Functions:

• Strengthens bones
• Absorbs Calcium

Sources:

• Milk
• Egg Yolk
• Fish

Vitamin E

Functions:

• Maintains body tissues
• Protects lungs
• Forms Red Blood Cells

Sources:

• whole grains
• Green leafy vegetables
• Wheat germ

Vitamin K

Functions:

• Help in Blood Clotting

Sources:

• Dairy products
• Green leafy vegetables
• Soybean Oil
• Broccoli

Water soluble – These vitamins instead of getting stored travel through the bloodstream and the unused portion is released out of the body through urine. These need regular replacement since they don’t stay within the body.The water soluble vitamins are:

Vitamin C

Functions:

• Strengthen body tissues
• Resists infection

Sources:

• Citrus Fruits
• Strawberry

Vitamin B Complex (B1, B2, Niacin, B6, Folic acid, B12, Biotin, and Pantothenic acid)

Functions:

• Help in Metabolism
• Yield Energy
• Synthesize Red Blood Cells

Sources:

• Whole Grains
• Poultry
• Sea food