Human Biology

http://www.ck12.org Chapter 1. Human Biology

1.14 Vitamins and Minerals

• Give examples of vitamins and minerals, and state their functions.

How do you get your vitamins?

You may take a vitamin pill. That is a good way to make sure you are getting most of the vitamins your body needs
to grow. But the best way to get your vitamins is through eating a healthy diet.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are also nutrients. They do not provide energy, but they are needed for good health.

Vitamins

Vitaminsare organic compounds that the body needs in small amounts to function properly. Humans need 13
different vitamins. Some of them are listed below (Table1.2). The table also shows how much of each vitamin you
need every day. Vitamins have many roles in the body. For example, Vitamin A helps maintain good vision. Vitamin
B 9 helps form red blood cells. Vitamin K is needed for blood to clot when you have a cut or other wound.

TABLE1.2:Vitamins Needed for Good Health

Vitamin Necessary for Available from Daily amount required (at

ages 9–13 years)

vitamin A good vision carrots, spinach, milk,

eggs

600 μg (1μg = 1× 10 −^6

g)

vitamin B 1 healthy nerves whole wheat, peas, meat,

beans, fish, peanuts

0.9 mg (1 mg = 1× 10 −^3

g)