Vitamins & Minerals A-Z: What Do They Do For You?

Vitamin A supports the immune and reproductive systems, bone formation, eyes, hair, skin and teeth. 

You’ve heard of vitamins and minerals, from A-Z, but what are their benefits, and why do you need them? Vitamins are any of a group of organic substances other than proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and organic salts, which are essential for normal growth, development and metabolism of the body. Minerals are just as important for your body to stay healthy. Check out this photo gallery fromBlackDoctor to see how your body uses minerals for everything from building bones to regulating your heartbeat. 

Vitamin B1, or Thiamine, is essential for memory, learning and the normal function of the nervous, muscular and cardiovascular system. 

Vitamin B2 aids in the metabolism of carbs, fats and proteins, and is important in the maintenance of healthy skin, nails and hair growth. 

Vitamin B3 helps support healthy cardiovascular, circulatory and nervous systems, and reduces serum cholesterol. 

Vitamin B5 helps support energy production, cellular building, healing, memory and normal growth. 

Vitamin B6 promotes both mental and physical health, and is involved in more bodily functions that any other nutrient. Its roles include producing antibodies and red blood cells, balancing sodium and potassium and helping to prevent cancer. 

Vitamin B12 is essential for a healthy metabolism, the normal development of red blood cells, a healthy nervous system, and helps all cells function normally.

Vitamin C protects against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease – and prevents wrinkles

Vitamin D helps to support bones, metabolism, vision, the cardiovascular and nervous system, and helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus.

Vitamin E helps prevent free radical damage, and is essential for reproduction, cellular health, mental health, healthy blood flow, endurance and healing.

Biotin, a B-complex vitamin, aids in the metabolism of other vitamins, as well as protein, fats and carbs, and supports energy production and healthy hair and skin.

Folic acid is a type of B vitamin that is key for cell growth and metabolism. It is also the standard supplement for pregnant women and women who plan to become pregnant.

Calcium is necessary to build strong bones and teeth in childhood and adolescence. As an adult, you need calcium to maintain bone mass. 

Potassium helps your body maintain a healthy blood pressure.

Magnesium is a nutrient that helps your body produce energy, and helps your muscles, arteries and heart work properly.

Zinc helps the body fight bacteria and viruses, build protein, heal from wounds and supports a healthy pregnancy.

Chromium enhances the action of insulin and appears to be directly involved in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.