Nutrient lab Frankie Mei

What is Vitamins? Vitamins are chemical compounds that are essential for health. As a group they have two main functions – prevention of disease and regulation of body processes. Individually, each vitamin performs specific functions in the body. Vitamins are divided into two main groups based on their solubility. Some are soluble in water and others are found in fat. Vitamins are found in a wide variety of foods.

Vitamin A Vitamin A helps the retina of the eye adjust to dim light so that is is possible to see under varying light conditions. Vitamin A is sometimes known as the anti- infection vitamin because it helps you resist infection by keeping the lining of the mouth, nose, throat, and digestive tract healthy. It also keeps the skin healthy and promotes growth.

Vitamin C Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid, it strengthens blood capillaries, forms red blood cells, builds antibodies to fight infection, maintains healthy connective tissue, and develops and maintains healthy bones. The best sources are citrus fruit, such as oranges, grapefruit, lemons, as well as other fresh fruit , especially some berries, and green vegetables.

Vitamin D Vitamin D helps the body use calcium and phosphorus and is therefore needed for healthy, strong bones and teeth. Natural foods, except for fish liver oils, are poor vitamin D sources. For this reason all milk, milk products, margarine, and infant formulas sold in Canada are enriched with vitamin D. Sometimes referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D can be manufactured in the body by action of the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Vitamin E The main function of vitamin E is to prevent oxygen from destroying the polyunsaturated fats in your body. Vitamin E also helps form red blood cells and maintain the health of moist membranes. Sources of vitamin E include vegetable oils, wheat germ. Whole- wheat products, peanuts, and green leafy green vegetables.

Minerals As a group, mineral elements have two main functions. Minerals are a part of the body’s tissues and act as a regulator of body functions. The exact role and daily requirement of many minerals are not yet known. However, the three most important minerals are calcium, phosphorus, and iron. When the recommended amounts of these minerals are eaten in food every day, the body’s requirement of other minerals are usually met.

calcium Calcium, in connection with phosphorus and vitamin D, is essential for the maintenance and formation of hard bones and teeth. For this reason it is essential that people of all ages receive an adequate calcium supply. Calcium is also required to maintain normal muscle tone, nerve function , and to aid in blood coagulation.