We often say that nutrient-rich diet that includes vitamins and minerals is required to stay healthy. But, many people are not aware of these two nutrients. Though both of them are considered to maintain a healthy body, they differ a lot. Here are some differences between vitamins and minerals.
The most basic difference between vitamins and minerals is that vitamins are organic compounds while minerals are inorganic compounds. The body gets most of our vitamins from plants and animals, whereas, minerals from soil and water. The chemical form of minerals is very much simpler than the vitamins. Vitamins are, generally, classified as water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins, as the name suggests, are soluble in water and hence, they do not get stored in the body. However, fat-soluble vitamins get dissolved in fat cells of the body and are stored. Minerals, on the other hand, are, generally, divided into macro minerals and trace minerals. Macro minerals are the minerals which are required in large amounts by the body, and trace minerals are needed in very small quantities.
All vitamins are essential for body, but not all minerals are required. The body needs vitamins like vitamin A, B, C, D, E and K. It even needs major minerals like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, chloride, sodium, magnesium, and sulfur, and trace minerals like iron, zinc, selenium, and fluoride. Though both the vitamins and minerals are essential for good health, they have their own different functions. Hence, diet rich in vitamins and minerals should be taken. However, vitamin and mineral supplements are best for people who often do not take healthy diet. They help keep your body away from potential vitamin or mineral deficiencies.