What are the differences between vitamins and minerals?
Write the 08/12/2023 by Santarome Bio
Forming a duo essential to the proper functioning of our body, vitamins and minerals play an essential role. These micronutrients, although necessary in minimal amounts, perform important functions, from metabolic regulation to protection against disease. Vitamins , organic compounds, actively participate in various cellular processes, promoting growth , immune resistance and energy production.
On the other hand, minerals, inorganic elements, contribute to bone strengthening, water balance, and nervous regulation. Although complementary, these two categories of micronutrients have distinct food sources and varied absorption mechanisms in the body. To ensure optimal intake of vitamins and minerals, many people turn to multivitamins in the form of dietary supplements .
Vitamins: understanding their essential roles
Vitamins, these micronutrients , participate in a variety of metabolic functions necessary for the proper functioning of the human body. There are fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) which dissolve in fats, and water-soluble vitamins (B and C) which are soluble in water. Each of these vitamins uniquely contributes to processes such as cell growth, immune function, vision, blood clotting, and many others.
Nutrient sources of vitamins are diverse, ranging from fruits and vegetables to dairy products and lean meats. Citrus fruits, rich in vitamin C, strengthen the immune system , while green vegetables provide B vitamins, essential for energy metabolism. Oily fish, for their part, are a natural source of vitamin D, promoting bone well-being.
To ensure optimal vitamin intake, food supplements are often considered. Santarome food supplements stand out in this area with Vita'Max multivitamin tablets , designed to meet the specific needs of each individual. These supplements are formulated to support vitality, strengthen the immune system and fill any nutritional gaps.
Minerals: their crucial functions
Minerals, such as calcium , magnesium , zinc and iron , are necessary for many biological functions. For example, calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, while magnesium helps regulate many enzymes and metabolic processes. These minerals are obtained mainly from food.
Mineral-rich foods are essential allies for maintaining robust health. Green vegetables, fruits, dairy products and seafood are excellent sources of minerals.
Sometimes it can be difficult to get all the necessary minerals through diet alone. This is where dietary supplements can play an important role. They can be particularly useful in situations where diet alone is insufficient to meet mineral needs, such as during specific diets or dietary restrictions.
The main differences
Criteria |
Minerals |
Vitamins |
Role |
Contribute to various physiological processes such as:
|
Facilitate chemical reactions in the body and are essential for growth, development and proper metabolism. |
|
Origin |
Of inorganic origin, coming from soil and rocks. Some minerals can also come from living organisms. |
Organic , often deriving from plants and animals, although some vitamins can be synthesized in the body. |
|
Solubility |
May be soluble or insoluble in water. For example, calcium is poorly soluble in water, while sodium is soluble. |
Classified into fat -soluble (fat-soluble) vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K, and water-soluble (water-soluble) vitamins like vitamins B and C. |
|
Chemical nature |
Simple chemical compounds. Examples: calcium, iron, sodium, potassium. |
Complex organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and sometimes nitrogen atoms. Examples: vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin D (calciferol). |
|
Assimilation |
Often absorbed directly into the body without requiring prior digestion. |
Often require prior digestion and are absorbed in the small intestine. Some can be synthesized by the body itself. |
Practical tips to avoid vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Optimizing the diet with vitamins and minerals is imperative to prevent nutritional deficiencies. For this, dietary diversity appears to be the key to nutritional balance, offering a variety of essential nutrients to the body.
To maximize vitamin and mineral intake, it is essential to include a wide range of foods in your diet. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy products are varied sources of nutrients, ensuring a complete range of vitamins and minerals.
At the same time, we advise you to adopt good dietary practices. Steaming will allow you to preserve the nutrients present in the food. Avoiding restrictive diets and favoring unprocessed foods will also help you in this regard.
However, sometimes it can be difficult to meet all your nutritional needs through food alone. Food supplements such as multivitamins can then help you avoid possible deficiencies. You should use them with caution, following the advice of a health professional, because overconsumption can be harmful.
Although vitamins and minerals are both essential components for the proper functioning of our body, they have fundamental differences. Vitamins are organic compounds needed in small amounts to support various metabolic processes. In contrast, minerals are inorganic elements required in varying quantities. The sources, functions and methods of absorption also differ between these two groups of nutrients. A varied and balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, therefore remains essential to prevent possible deficiencies.
