Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients form an essential part of our diet as the many complex physiological processes within our bodies are dependent on them.We need them to prevent clinical deficiencies and also to keep the body well maintained so we can lead long and healthy lives.

If we eat a “balanced” diet then all the vitamins and minerals we need are supplied from our food and drink. But unfortunately life’s not so simple! Eating on the go and convenience foods, an inevitable part of just about everyone’s lifestyle, compromise our nutritional intake, and there are other times when our diet might not supply the nutrients we need.

Children, pregnant and lactating women, the highly active, those recovering from illness and the elderly are groups who may have higher nutritional demands. There is also growing evidence that some foods, particularly fruit and vegetables, may contain lower levels of nutrients than they did 50 years ago. This means we may not be achieving adequate nutritional intake through the diet and therefore supplementation may be required.

Vitamins are essential nutrients needed by the body in small amounts in order to work properly.They are vital for boosting the immune system, supporting normal growth and development and helping cells are organs to function efficiently. Vitamins are organic substances and fall into two categories: fat soluble and water-soluble.

An organic compound contains carbon. When an organism (living thing) cannot produce enough of an organic chemical compound that it needs in tiny amounts, and has to get it from food, it is called a vitamin.

Sometimes the compound is a vitamin for a human but not for some other animals. For example, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a vitamin for humans but not for dogs, because dogs can produce (synthesize) enough for their own needs, while humans cannot.

Fat-soluble vitamins – A,D,E and K , dissolve in fat and can be stored in the body.

Water-soluble vitamins – C and the B-complex vitamins (such as vitamins B6,B12,niacin ,riboflavin and folate)- need to dissolve in water before the body can absorb them. Consequently the body cannot store these vitamins and so it’s important to make sure they are replenished with a fresh supply daily.

A varied, healthy diet is the best source of vitamins but modern lifestyles often mean that people may need to supplement their diet with vitamins for a variety of reasons

• Busy lives mean ready-meals or convenience foods often replace home-cooked meals. These manufactured foods are often highly processed which can deplete them of their vitamin content.
• Worries and stress may speed up the use of vitamins in the body.
• Other lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption may increase our vitamin needs.
• A poor diet, lacking in variety and containing low levels of vitamins,especially with less than five portions of fruit and vegetables consumed daily.
• Illness and medication such as antibiotics can inhibit vitamin absorption

MINERALS AND MULTINUTRIENTS

Minerals are naturally occurring elements and function as coenzyme in the body, vital for the effectiveness of vitamins and helping the body to function properly and stay strong.

Generally the body requires a greater amount of minerals than vitamins and the two essential minerals are calcium and iron, although there are also other types of minerals that are an important part of a healthy diet.These trace minerals include potassium,sodium,zinc,manganese, copper iodine and selenium.

Mineral nutrients are found in foods such as meat,cereals; including cereal products such as bread,fish,milk and dairy foods, vegetables,fruit-especially dried fruit.

A varied, healthy diet is the best source of minerals, but modern diets often mean that these essential nutrients are lacking, so people may need to supplement their diet with minerals for the following reasons.

• Poor diets, such as those high in junk foods and lacking in fruits and vegetables.
• Very low-calorie diets,common with weight programs,eating disorders and older adults with poor appetite.
• Restricted diets, as seen with vegetarians,vegans and people with food allergies or lactose intolerance.