Vitamin and Minerals Facts for Kids

Before learning about vitamins and minerals, let's understand nutrients.

Nutrients provide nourishment to our bodies which is essential for development, growth, and good health. There are six types of basic nutrients- carbohydrates, proteins, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. But the main focus is on Vitamins and Minerals.

Vitamins are nutrients found in foods such as vegetables that are needed for physical and mental development. They are what keep us healthy!

Minerals are substances found in the earth or absorbed by animals or plants that humans eat to develop the body properly. 

Vegetables - High in Vitamins

Types of Vitamins

Our body requires several different kinds of vitamins to function well and fully develop. Each vitamin has a different role and comes from a different food source. 

Vitamins are divided into two categories- water-soluble and fat-soluble. 

Fat-Soluble Vitamins are dissolved in the fat and stored in the body for later use. These are Vitamins A, D, E, and K. 

Water Soluble Vitamins are dissolved in the water present in the body and they help to provide energy. These are Vitamins B and C.

Types of Vitamins, Sources, and Functions

Types of vitamins and their Food Sources

Why Do We Need Vitamins?

Vitamins are essential for the human body, and they have several benefits.

Benefits or Uses of Vitamins :

• Maintains skin and hair health.

• Reduces stress.

• Improves heart health. 

• Improves eyesight.

• Keeps the bones strong. 

• It helps in brain function (memory, concentration).

• It helps to avoid diseases and infections.

Deficiency of Vitamins

It is not just important to eat vitamin-rich foods but also to eat them correctly.

When the body doesn't get enough of the right vitamins, it fails to function correctly. 

Such diseases caused due to the lack of vitamins in the body are called deficiency diseases.

The lack of each vitamin causes a specific deficiency disease. Let’s learn about the diseases and their symptoms. 

Deficiency Diseases of Vitamins

Vitamins keep a Healthy Body

Types of Minerals

Just like vitamins, minerals are also needed for the functioning and development of muscles, bones, heart, and brain. 

It is essential to consume minerals from different food sources.

Minerals are of two types- Macro minerals & Minor or Trace minerals. 

Macro minerals are needed in large amounts. They are - Sodium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, and Chloride.

One of the essential minerals is calcium. It plays a significant role in developing bones, muscles, brain function, circulation of blood, and much more. Calcium should be consumed in the right amount from its respective food sources.

Food Source of Calcium

Minor minerals are necessary for small quantities. They are - Iron, Copper, Zinc, Iodine, and Fluorine. 

Minerals Make up a Healthy Body

Types of Minerals, Sources, and Functions

Deficiency of Minerals

Just like vitamins, the lack of minerals also causes problems in the body. 

These are caused as we do not consume enough minerals required for proper body development.

Each mineral has its specific deficiency: calcium deficiency, Zinc deficiency, Iron deficiency, and more. 

Interesting Facts

• Sunlight is the critical source of Vitamin D.

• The very first vitamin, Vitamin A, was discovered in 1913. 

• Kiwis and Strawberries contain twice as much Vitamin C as Oranges.

• Milk is a universal food containing all nutrients, including minerals and vitamins.

• Vitamins D and K are the only vitamins the body can make. 

• Iron deficiency is the most common mineral deficiency seen in the world.

Conclusion

Vitamins and minerals should be included in our food every day. Without these nutrients, we could face several physical problems or diseases in the body. 

They are essential for bodily functions like developing strong bones and muscles, healthy skin and hair, proper eyesight, repairing wounds, and many more. 

Each type of mineral and vitamin should be equally essential and consumed correctly.