Lesson 1 of 4
What are vitamins and minerals?
Direct answer: Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients: needed in small amounts, but essential. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble and can be stored; vitamin C and the B vitamins are water-soluble and mostly not stored, except B12 and folate. Minerals include macro minerals like calcium and micro minerals like iron and zinc.
Why are vitamins needed from food?
ICMR-NIN notes they are not synthesized in the body and are needed for skin, bone, nerves, eyes, brain and blood.
What's the difference between fat- and water-soluble vitamins?
Fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) can be stored. Water-soluble (C, B-complex) are mostly not stored and are easily destroyed by heat, air and processing.
Which minerals are macro and which are micro?
Macro: sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulphur. Micro: iron, zinc, copper, selenium, molybdenum, fluorine, cobalt, chromium, iodine.
FAQ
Do supplements replace food?
Not by default. Ask a doctor or dietitian for personal advice.
Why does cooking matter?
ICMR-NIN notes B-complex and C are heat labile.
Sources
- ICMR-NIN Expert Committee, Dietary Guidelines for Indians-2024 (DGI 2024), nin.res.in/dietaryguidelines/pdfjs/locale/DGI_2024.pdf, Guideline 1 (Vitamins and minerals, PDF p. 27 / printed p. 10)
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Micronutrients: all 4 lessons
General education, not medical advice.
Educational content, not medical advice. Checked against FSSAI and ICMR-NIN sources by Team Snactivate. For personal advice, consult a doctor or dietitian.