How do vitamins differ from minerals?

Vitamins and minerals are both essential nutrients required for various bodily functions, but they differ in their chemical nature, sources, and roles in the body.

Vitamins are organic compounds, meaning they contain carbon, and they are required in small amounts to regulate body processes. They are divided into two categories: fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and water-soluble vitamins (B-complex and C). Fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in the body’s fat tissues and liver, while water-soluble vitamins must be consumed regularly since they are not stored in the body. Vitamins help in processes such as vision (Vitamin A), immunity (Vitamin C), and blood clotting (Vitamin K).

Minerals, on the other hand, are inorganic elements that the body needs for structural and functional purposes. They are classified as major minerals, such as calcium, potassium, and sodium, and trace minerals, such as iron, zinc, and iodine. Minerals are involved in bone formation, nerve signaling, and maintaining fluid balance in the body. For example, calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, iron is necessary for oxygen transport in the blood, and sodium helps in nerve function and fluid regulation.