[01] Hafiz Abu Bakar, Allied Hospital- Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. [02] Arfa Rauf, Allied Hospital- Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. [03] Muhammad Haroon Sarwar, Mayo Hospital, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. [04] Muhammad Sarwar, National Institute for Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.

Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients the body needs to work properly and stay healthy. Recovery and repair of body tissues require a host of vitamins and minerals that participate in synthesis of new cells and tissue. For instance, certain vitamins and minerals are required to facilitate the formation of endogenous anti-inflammatory compounds, including Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Niacin, Zinc, Selenium and Magnesium. Many vitamins and minerals also serve as antioxidants and help to protect cells against the oxidative damage produced by inflammation. Therefore, this article finds out what these nutrients do, how much of them human needs, how to ensure their get enough and what the risks are if body takes them too much. Vitamins help our body to grow and work in the way it should perform properly. There are 13 vitamins, for example, vitamins C, A, D, E, K and the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, B6, B12 and folate). Vitamins have different functions in the body, for instance, helping to resist infections, keeping of our nerves healthy and helping of our body to get energy from food, or our blood to clot properly. By following the dietary recommendations, our body can get enough most of these vitamins from food. Minerals also help to our body for its proper functioning. Some minerals, such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, are needed in larger amounts. Others, like iodine and fluoride, are only needed in very small quantities. As with vitamins, if humans eat a varied diet, they will probably get enough of most of minerals. Most people should get all the nutrients they need by having a varied and balanced diet, although some persons may need to take extra supplements at certain times.

Nutrients, Vitamins, Minerals, Food, Diet

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