Vitamins and Minerals provide the body with all the extra ingredients it needs to function, which Protein, Fats and Carbohydrates do not provide. Instead of Macronutrients, they are known as Micronutrients. The reason behind this is that they are required by the body in small quantities. Although Vitamins and Minerals are normally collectively known, they do have two different roles.
 

Vitamins are essential metabolic catalysts that regulate all the chemical transactions that occur within the body. Vitamins can be classified as either water-soluble, meaning that they dissolve easily in water, or fat-soluble vitamins, which are absorbed through the intestinal tract with the help of lipids (fats).The main Vitamins are A, B, C, D, E and K. Vitamins A, D, E and K are classed as Fat-soluble vitamins. These Vitamins all help the body’s immune, antioxidant function and bone metabolism. Vitamin K also plays a vital role within the body in helping the blood to clot. Vitamins B and C on the other hand, which are Water-soluble vitamins, play an important role in energy metabolism, nervous function and Haemoglobin synthesis (the production of the Protein allowing blood to carry Oxygen).

Unfortunately, very few Vitamins can be made within the body which is why they are vital in any diet.
 

Minerals are required by the body in relatively large amounts. There are eight major minerals that must be included to maintain a balanced and healthy diet. The main forms of minerals are Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulphur, Sodium, Sodium Chloride, Chlorine and Magnesium. Collectively these eight are known as Macro minerals and are all essential for good health.
 

The Primary role of Calcium is the formation of bones and teeth. It also plays an important part in the initiation of muscle contractions and blood clotting which is why it is important in a diet. Magnesium and Phosphorus also aid in the functions of Calcium and are essential components of blood. In addition, Phosphorus helps create energy within the body. Potassium is a key mineral in the maintenance of the body’s internal environment. Sulphur, like potassium helps maintain the body’s internal environment. It does also have a key role in liver function. Sodium, Sodium Chloride and Chlorine are normally associated with the responsibility of controlling the body water mineral balance.
 

Other minerals that should be included in a diet are Micro minerals such as Iron, Fluorine, Copper, Selenium, Iodine, Chromium, Manganese, Molybdenum and Cobalt. These are less important to the body so are not required in high level consumptions. Iron is a mineral that is the most important out of the Micro minerals as it is responsible for producing Haemoglobin which transports oxygen around the body in the blood. Fluorine and Manganese have vital roles in the healthy growth of bones and teeth but are required less than Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus. Copper is essential to the healthy development of the nervous system and Selenium’s function is as an effective antioxidant. Iodine is a vital constituent in the productions of the hormone, Thyroxine, which controls the body’s metabolic rate. Chromium is important in Glycolysis which is responsible for the production of energy using glucose. Lastly Cobalt and Molybdenum contribute to the speed and rate of enzyme activity within the body.