Organic substances known as vitamins are necessary for the body’s numerous physiological processes. Small amounts are needed to keep your health and wellbeing at their best. Vitamins must be received through diet or supplements because the body is unable to generate them. There are 13 vitamins that fall into the water-soluble and fat-soluble categories. The body stores the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) in its fatty tissues, where they can build up to hazardous levels if ingested in excess. B vitamins and vitamin C are examples of water-soluble vitamins that must be replaced daily since they are lost through urine rather than being stored by the body. A lack of any vitamin can result in a variety of health issues because each vitamin has a specific function in the body.
Calcium
The chemical element calcium has the atomic number 20 and the letter Ca as its symbol. One of the most prevalent elements in the Earth’s crust, it is a soft grey alkaline earth metal.
For humans as well as other living things, calcium is a necessary nutrient. It is essential for several body processes, including bone health, blood coagulation, muscle contraction and neuron function. About 99% of the calcium in a human body is kept in the bones and teeth.
Depending on age and gender, a different amount of calcium should be consumed every day. Due to the growth and development of their bones, infants, children and teenagers need more calcium than adults do. Dairy products, leafy green vegetables, nuts and fortified foods are all excellent dietary sources of calcium.
Additionally offered are calcium supplements, which are frequently used to treat or prevent osteoporosis. A condition in which the bones become fragile and brittle. However, it’s crucial to consult a medical expert before beginning a new supplement programme.
Selenium
A chemical element with the atomic number 34 and the symbol Se is selenium. It is a non-metal and it ranks as the 34th most common element in the crust of the Earth. Selenium is a necessary nutrient that is vital to numerous biological functions, such as thyroid hormone metabolism and antioxidant defence.
Seafood, meat, poultry, eggs, Brazil nuts and dairy products are excellent dietary sources of selenium. Depending on age and gender, the recommended daily intake of selenium for people ranges from 55 to 70 mcg.
Additionally, selenium pills are readily available and frequently used to treat or prevent selenium insufficiency. Which is uncommon but can manifest as symptoms like weariness and muscle weakness. Before beginning a new supplement regimen, it is crucial to speak with a healthcare provider because too much selenium can be dangerous and result in symptoms including nausea, vomiting and hair loss.
Iron
The chemical element iron has the atomic number 26 and the symbol Fe. It is the most prevalent element on Earth in terms of mass and is a silvery-gray metal. Many species, including humans, require iron because it is necessary for the creation of hemoglobin. A protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.
Anemia, a condition where the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to adequately transport oxygen, can result from an iron deficit. Fatigue, weakness and other medical issues can be brought on by anaemia.
Red meat, chicken, shellfish, beans, leafy green vegetables and fortified cereals are all excellent dietary sources of iron. The range of 8 to 18 mg per day for adults is the recommended daily intake of iron. Which varies depending on age, gender and other factors.
There are additional iron supplements available that are frequently used to treat iron deficient anaemia. Too much iron, however, can be hazardous, so it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement programme.
Magnesium
The chemical element magnesium has the atomic number 12 and the letter Mg as its symbol. It is the eighth most common element in the Earth’s crust and is a glossy, grey solid. Magnesium is necessary for numerous biological processes, such as controlling how muscles and nerves work, keeping the immune system strong and maintaining a regular heartbeat.
Green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains and various types of fish are excellent sources of magnesium in the diet. Depending on age and gender, the recommended daily intake of magnesium for people is between 310 and 420 mg.
In order to treat magnesium shortage. Which can result in symptoms including muscle cramps, weakness and irregular heartbeat, magnesium supplements are also offered and frequently utilised. A healthcare practitioner should be consulted before beginning any new supplement regimen, though, as taking too much magnesium can have negative side effects like diarrhoea and nausea.
Manganese
With the atomic number 25 and the symbol Mn, manganese is a chemical element. It is the 12th most prevalent element in the Earth’s crust and is a tough, silvery-gray metal. Numerous biological systems, such as metabolism, bone growth and nervous system operation, depend heavily on manganese.
Whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes and leafy greens are healthy dietary sources of manganese. Depending on age and gender, the recommended daily intake of manganese for individuals ranges from 1.8 to 2.3 mg.
Copper
The chemical element copper has the atomic number 29 and the symbol Cu. It is a reddish-orange metal that is ductile, malleable and soft. Many biological functions, such as the production of red blood cells, the growth of connective tissue and the operation of the nervous system, depend on copper.
Shellfish, liver, nuts, seeds, whole grains and dark leafy greens are excellent dietary sources of copper. Depending on age and gender, the daily recommended copper intake for people ranges from 900 to 1300 mcg.
In order to treat or prevent copper deficiency, which can result in symptoms including anemia. A low white blood cell count and osteoporosis, copper supplements are also readily available. Before beginning a new supplement regimen, it is crucial to speak with a healthcare provider because taking too much copper can be dangerous and result in symptoms including nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a chemical element with the atomic number 15 and the letter P in its name. It is a non-metallic element that ranks 11th in terms of abundance in the crust of the Earth. Numerous biological activities, including the creation of energy, cell signaling and the development of bones and teeth, depend on phosphorus.
Meat, fish, poultry, legumes and whole grains are healthy dietary sources of phosphorus. Depending on age and gender, the recommended daily intake of phosphorus for people is between 580 and 1250 mg.
Additionally, phosphorus is a crucial component of DNA and RNA, the genetic material that governs how cells work. Phosphorus is also utilised in a variety of industrial products, including fertilizers, detergents and flame retardants.
Even while phosphorus is a necessary nutrient, consuming too much of it can be detrimental, particularly for those who have kidney disease. Problems with the heart and bones might result from high blood phosphorus levels. Before beginning a new supplement regimen or making significant dietary changes, it is crucial to speak with a healthcare expert.
Potassium
The chemical element potassium has the atomic number 19 and the letter K as its symbol. It is the seventh most common element in the Earth’s crust and is a soft, silvery-white metal. Potassium is crucial for a variety of body processes, including fluid balance, blood pressure regulation and sustaining healthy muscle and neuron function.
Fruits (particularly bananas, oranges and kiwis), vegetables (especially leafy greens, tomatoes and potatoes), nuts and beans are good sources of potassium in the diet. Depending on age and gender, the recommended daily potassium intake for people ranges from 2000 to 3000 mg.
In order to treat or prevent low potassium levels, which can result in symptoms like weakness, exhaustion and muscle cramps, potassium supplements are also readily available. But before beginning any new supplement program. It’s crucial to speak with a doctor because too much potassium can be hazardous and lead to heart and muscle problems.
Sodium
The chemical element sodium has the atomic number 11 and the symbol Na. It is a delicate, silvery-white metal that reacts strongly with water. Sodium is a vital component of numerous body processes, including fluid homeostasis, nerve impulse transmission and supporting healthy muscular function.
Table salt, canned goods, processed foods and some cheeses are healthy dietary sources of sodium. The recommended salt intake varies by age and other considerations, but for adults as a whole, it typically falls between 1500 and 2300 mg per day.
Although sodium is a necessary nutrient, too much of it can be bad for you, especially if you have high blood pressure. Consuming too much sodium can raise blood pressure, which raises the risk of heart disease and stroke. If you are at risk for these problems, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider and to reduce your sodium consumption.
Zinc
With the atomic number 30 and the symbol Zn, zinc is a chemical element. It is the 24th most common element in the Earth’s crust and is a bluish-white metal. Zinc is a necessary nutrient that is required for maintaining a healthy immune system, wound healing, cell growth and division, among many other body processes.
Oysters, red meat, chicken, beans, nuts and whole grains are healthy food sources of zinc. Depending on age and gender, the recommended daily intake of zinc for adults ranges from 8 to 11 mg.
In order to treat or prevent zinc deficiency, which can result in symptoms including slower-than-normal wound healing, hair loss and weakened immunity, zinc supplements are also readily accessible. A healthcare practitioner should be consulted before beginning any new supplement regimen, though, as taking too much zinc can have negative effects and result in nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Conclusion
All of the minerals we have discussed – calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium – are essential nutrients that play important roles in various bodily functions. They can be obtained through a that includes a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy products. While supplements may be beneficial in some cases, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure that you are getting the appropriate amount and to avoid any potential negative effects of overconsumption.