Vitamins: Partners in regulating body functions
Vitamins are needed for a variety of biochemical processes, among them growth, digestion, mental alertness and resistance to infection. They also enable your body to use carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and they act as catalysts by initiating or speeding up chemical reactions. Though vitamins are involved in converting food into energy, they supply no calories.

Vitamins help release energy from our food and help build muscle, bone, blood and other vital tissue. Without a regular supply of vitamins, we cannot maintain good health and normal growth. Since the body does not store all essential vitamins for long periods of time, some have to be supplied on a regular basis. Supplements can be taken to help avoid nutritional deficiencies.

Minerals: Building blocks for your body
Minerals are the main components in your teeth and bones, and they serve as building blocks for other cells and enzymes. They also help regulate the balance of fluids in your body and control the movement of nerve impulses. Some minerals also help deliver oxygen to cells and help carry away carbon dioxide.

Vitamins and minerals are substances your body needs in small but steady amounts for normal growth, function and health. Together, vitamins and minerals are called micronutrients. Your body can't make most micronutrients, so you must get them from the foods you eat or from supplements.

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