Even though they’re in almost everything we eat and drink, many people aren’t exactly clear what the distinction is between vitamins and dietary minerals. We’re told they’re important and we need them to keep us healthy, but what’s the difference?
There are two categories of vitamins our bodies need, water soluble, and fat soluble. Water soluble vitamins B and C are found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Because they break down easily in water, our bodies flush water-soluble vitamins out through urination, this requires we provide ourselves with an ongoing daily supply.Fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K are absorbed by stored body fat and can be stored for later use. Although our bodies need this type of vitamin less often, over consumption can be dangerous. These are found most abundantly in naturally fatty foods, such as oily fish, dairy, beef. Vegetarian and vegan-friendly sources include a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, although in much lower concentrations than in animal-based options.
What Are Minerals?
Minerals are inorganic and found in water and soil. They can also be divided into two categories. “Macro nutrients,” which our bodies need over 100 mg each day, include potassium, chloride, sodium, calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium. The amount of ”trace minerals,“ or “micro nutrients,” the body needs is significantly less, under 100 mg per day. These include zinc, iron, manganese, copper, iodine, selenium, and molybdenum.
In our bodies, vitamins and minerals support growth, the immune system, and countless biological reactions and processes. The carotenoids in carrots, for example, are converted to vitamin K within the body, hence carrots’ reputation as being good for the eyes. This is just one of the many, many processes vitamins and minerals support.
I personally recommend supplementing your body with an organic source of vitamins and minerals on a regular basis. I use the product Vitamin C and my children use IntraKID®.
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 
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