Patient Information
Nutrition and Diet: Vitamins and Minerals
More nutrition information can be found
at the American Dietetic Association and
MUSC Nutrition Services web sites.
Vitamins and minerals are found in the foods we eat. Although they do not provide energy they are essential to the maintenance of normal health.
Vitamins are organic chemicals that are vital for normal body function. Vitamins are generally present in food, but some are synthesized at least partially within the body (vitamins D and K). Vitamins are classified as either water soluble (vitamins B and C) or fat soluble (vitamins A, D, E and K). Lack of specific vitamins may lead to diseases. Scurvy results from a lack of vitamin C and osteomalacia from vitamin D deficiency. Lack of folic acid in pregnant women may result in fetal spinal cord defects.
In contrast to vitamins, which are organic, minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorous and iron are inorganic chemicals used by cells within the body to perform chemical reactions. Calcium and phosphorous are crucial for bone formation while iron is vital to the production of healthy blood cells.
The recommended daily allowances (RDAs) of vitamins and minerals have been calculated by health care agencies and are provided by a balanced diet incorporating fruits, vegetables, grains, meats and dairy products. However, elderly or pregnant patients, those with certain illnesses and healthy subjects who are taking restrictive diets (i.e. vegans) may need to fortify their diet with mineral or vitamin supplements.