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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Vitamins and Minerals?

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Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that the body needs to function properly. The main difference between them lies in their chemical makeup:

  • Vitamins are organic substances made by plants or animals. They can be broken down by heat, air, or acid. Vitamins fall into two categories:
  • Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) dissolve in fat and are stored in the body.
  • Water-soluble vitamins (C and the B-complex vitamins) dissolve in water and cannot be stored in the body. Any excess of these vitamins is lost through urine.
  • Minerals are inorganic elements that come from soil and water, and are absorbed by plants or consumed by animals. Minerals are classified as:
  • Major minerals (such as calcium, sodium, and potassium) are needed in larger amounts for growth and maintaining good health.
  • Trace minerals (such as chromium, copper, iodine, iron, selenium, and zinc) are needed in very small amounts.

Both vitamins and minerals play important roles in supporting the immune system, promoting normal growth and development, and helping cells and organs function properly.

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  • What is the Difference Between Vitamins and Minerals?
  • Comparative Table: Vitamins vs Minerals

    • Comparative Table: Vitamins vs Minerals

    Here is a table comparing the differences between vitamins and minerals:

    Vitamins Minerals
    Organic compounds obtained from plants and animals Inorganic compounds originating from the earth, such as soil and water
    All 13 vitamins are essential for the body Not all minerals are needed by the body; some are required in larger amounts, while others are needed in trace amounts
    Can be classified as fat-soluble or water-soluble Can be classified as macro-minerals or trace minerals
    Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) dissolve in fat and can be stored in the body Macro-minerals (such as calcium, sodium, potassium) are needed in larger amounts, while trace minerals (such as iron, zinc) are needed in smaller amounts
    Water-soluble vitamins (C, B-complex) dissolve in water and cannot be stored, requiring daily consumption Minerals help in bone and tooth formation, blood coagulation, muscle contraction, and maintaining acid-alkaline balance in blood
    Vitamins release energy from food, develop red blood cells, help in blood clotting, and maintain healthy skin, eye, and hair Minerals obtained from food such as cereals, bread, meat, fish, milk, nuts, etc.

    In summary, vitamins are organic compounds obtained from plants and animals, while minerals are inorganic compounds originating from the earth, such as soil and water. Vitamins can be classified as fat-soluble or water-soluble, whereas minerals can be classified as macro-minerals or trace minerals. Both vitamins and minerals play essential roles in various bodily functions, but they differ in their chemical composition, biological function, and nutritional requirements.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.