Vitamins and Minerals
What are they?
Vitamins
Organic substances required for normal cell function, growth and development. There are 13 essential vitamins.
Fat Soluble
Fat soluble vitamins are those that are bind to fat in the stomach and are stored in the body for later use. We are less likely to become deficient in these vitamins (A, D, E and K) but are more likely to build up toxic levels, usually due to extreme overconsumption or overzealous supplement use.
Water Soluble
The rest of the vitamins are water soluble. Meaning they can be absorbed directly by cells. When in excess, these vitamins are flushed out of our system with each bathroom break. The water soluble vitamins (biotin, vitamin C, niacin, folic acid and vitamin B) need to be restored more frequently, but the body can tolerate higher doses.
RDA
RDA is the Recommended Dietary Allowance. It represents the average daily dietary intake of each vitamin and mineral a person needs to stay healthy and steer clear of deficiencies. The values, which are all backed by scientific data, are broken down by age and gender.
MINERALS!
Minerals are inorganic substances (meaning they contain no carbon). They are necessary for normal body function and development. There are two groups of minerals: macronutrients (which the body needs in large doses) and trace minerals (only a small amount is required).