On this page we are going to learn about vitamins and minerals. Without vitamins and minerals our body can not function correctly; just like not eating or drinking the right substances. Kids know they need the vitamins and minerals, but they don't know why. We have this page to show kids like us why we need these vitamins and minerals to live healthy lives.
you're like most kids, you've probably heard at least one parent say, "Don't forget your vitamin!" "Eat your salad - it's packed with vitamins!" But what exactly are vitamins?
Vitamins and minerals are substances that are found in foods we eat. Your body needs them to work properly, so you grow and develop just like you should. When it comes to vitamins, each one has a special role to play. For example:
 Vitamin D in milk helps your bones. Vitamin A in carrots helps you see at night.
Vitamin C in oranges helps your body heal if you get a cut.
B vitamins in leafy green vegetables help your body make protein and energy.
Vitamins Hang Out in Water and Fat
There are two types of vitamins: fat soluble and water soluble. When you eat foods that contain fat-soluble vitamins, the vitamins are stored in the fat tissues in your body and in your liver. They go and wait around in your body fat until your body needs them.
Fat-soluble vitamins are happy to stay stored in your 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 your 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 you eat foods that have water-soluble vitamins, the vitamins don't get stored as much in your body. Instead, they travel through your bloodstream. And whatever your body doesn't use comes out when you urinate.
So these kinds of vitamins need to be replaced often because they don't like to stick around! This crowd of vitamins includes vitamin C and the big group of B vitamins - B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), niacin, B6 (pyridoxine), folic acid, B12 (cobalamine), biotin, and pantothenic acid.
Vitamins Feed Your Needs
Your body is one powerful machine, capable of doing all sorts of things by itself. But one thing it can't do is make vitamins. That's where food comes in. Your body is able to get the vitamins it needs from the foods you eat because different foods contain different vitamins. Though some kids take a daily vitamin, most kids don't need one if they're eating healthy foods.
Did you ever notice how TV commercials for breakfast cereal always mention vitamins and minerals? But when you think of minerals, food isn't the first thing that comes to mind. Aren't minerals something you find in the earth, like iron and quartz?
Well, yes, but small amounts of some minerals are also in foods. For instance, red meat, such as beef, is a good source of iron.
Just like vitamins, minerals help your body grow, develop, and stay healthy. The body uses minerals to perform many different functions - from building strong bones to transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are even used to make hormones or maintain a normal heartbeat.
Macro and Trace
There are two kinds of minerals: macrominerals and trace minerals. Macro means "large" in Greek (and your body needs larger amounts of macrominerals than trace minerals). The macromineral group is made up of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, and sulfur.
A trace of something means that there is only a little of it. So even though your body needs trace minerals, it needs just a tiny bit of each one. Scientists aren't even sure how much of these minerals you need each day. Trace minerals includes iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium.
Let's take a closer look at some of the minerals you get from food.
Calcium
Calcium is the top macromineral when it comes to your bones. This mineral helps build strong bones, so you can do everything from standing up straight to scoring that winning goal. It also helps build strong, healthy teeth, for chomping on tasty food.
Which foods are rich in calcium?
dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
canned salmon and sardines with bones
leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli
calcium-fortified foods - from orange juice to cereals and crackers
Iron
The body needs iron to transport oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Your entire body needs oxygen to stay healthy and alive. Iron helps because it's important in the formation of hemoglobin (say: hee-muh-glo-bun), which is the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
Which foods are rich in iron?
meat, especially red meat, such as beef
tuna and salmon
eggs
beans
baked potato with skins
dried fruits, like raisins
leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli
whole and enriched grains, like wheat or oats
Potassium
Potassium (say: puh-tah-see-um) keeps your muscles and nervous system working properly. Did you know your blood and body tissues, such as muscles, contain water? They do, and potassium helps make sure the amount of water is just right.
Which foods are rich in potassium?
bananas
broccoli
tomatoes
potatoes with skins
leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli
citrus fruits, like oranges
dried fruits
legumes, such as beans, peas, lentils, and peanuts
Zinc
Zinc helps your immune system, which is your body's system for fighting off illnesses and infections. It also helps with cell growth and helps heal wounds, such as cuts.
Which foods are rich in zinc?
beef
pork
lamb
legumes, such as beans, peas, lentils, and peanuts
When people don't get enough of these important minerals, they can have health problems. For instance, too little calcium - especially when you're a kid - can lead to weaker bones. Some kids may take mineral supplements, but most kids don't need them if they eat a nutritious diet. So eat those minerals and stay healthy!
Updated and reviewed by: Mary Frances Picciano, PhD
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