Vitamins and Minerals | Introduction
Introduction
VitaminsOrganic substances that are essential for people's good health; most of them are not manufactured in the body. and mineralsInorganic substances that originate in the ground; many are essential nutrients. are substances that are essential for people to grow, develop, and remain healthy. Vitamins are organicMade of, or coming from, living matter., meaning that they contain carbon and come from living organisms. Minerals are inorganicMade of or coming from nonliving matter., meaning that they do not contain carbon or come from living organisms. Except for two vitamins, humans cannot make any of their own vitamins and minerals. People must get these nutrients from foods. Diseases characterized by lack of nutrients are called deficiency diseasesA disease marked by a lack of an essential nutrient in the diet..
There are hundreds of vital functions that require proper vitamins and minerals. Maintaining strong bones and muscles, ensuring good vision, healing wounds, providing energy, and fighting infections are a few examples of how the body uses these substances. For years researchers focused their work on determining the amount of each vitamin and mineral needed to avoid any health problems. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) are guidelines formulated by the U.S. government for the amount of each substance a person needs every day. Researchers also are exploring how vitamins and minerals can prevent and treat disease.