VITAMINS AND MINERALS ARE SUBSTANCES THAT ARE FOUND IN FOODS WE EAT

The body needs them to work properly. Children need them as they grow and develop. Vitamins and minerals are important elements of the total nutritional requirements of your child. Because the human body itself is unable to produce adequate amounts of many vitamins, they must be obtained from the diet. The body needs these vitamins in only tiny amounts, and in a balanced diet they are usually present in sufficient quantities in the foods your child eats, but often supplements are necessary.

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF VITAMINS: FAT SOLUBLE AND WATER SOLUBLE

When eating foods that contain fat–soluble vitamins, the vitamins are stored in the fat tissues in the body and in the liver. They wait around in the body fat until the body needs them.

Fat–soluble vitamins are happy to stay stored in the body for awhile – some stay for a few days, some for up to 6 months! Then, when it's time for them to be used, special carriers in the body take them to where they're needed. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are all fat–soluble vitamins.

Water–soluble vitamins are different. When eating foods that have water–soluble vitamins, the vitamins don't get stored as much in the body. Instead, they travel through your bloodstream. And whatever your body doesn't use is eliminated.

These kinds of vitamins need to be replaced often because they don't like to stick around! These vitamins include vitamin C and the big group of B vitamins – B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), niacin, B6 (pyridoxine), folic acid, B12 (cyanocobalamin), biotin, and pantothenic acid.

Disclaimer: Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication.

©2009 Health Quest Nutrition