Vitamins and minerals: why your body needs them from food every day
Vitamins and minerals are important nutrients the body uses in many chemical reactions every day. Some minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, are also part of the body's structure.
Why food matters
- The body can't make all the vitamins and minerals it needs, so they must come from food
- A balanced diet provides essential vitamins and minerals, but getting all of them from food alone can be hard
- The guide states that supplements providing vitamins and minerals are another way to help reach the daily amounts you should get
What to eat
- Most foods provide some vitamins and minerals, and some are especially nutrient-rich, such as fruit, vegetables and grains
- Each food offers different benefits, so eat a variety
- Spinach contains vitamins C and E
- Milk, yoghurt and seeds contain phosphorus and calcium, which help maintain normal bones
- B vitamins help the body turn food into energy
- Vitamin K contributes to maintaining normal bones
Notes from the guide
- Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones and teeth
- Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12 contribute to normal energy metabolism
Read next: 6 nutrients to pay attention to: what they do and where to find them ›
Read next: 7 key building blocks of balanced nutrition ›
Read next: What nutrients are in one shake? Compared with familiar foods ›
Not sure if your daily meals include enough variety of fruit and vegetables? Ask us on LINE. If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before changing your diet.
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