What Is The Difference Between Vitamins And Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are both essential nutrients required by the body for health and proper functioning. However, there are some key differences between them. Vitamins are organic compounds that are produced by living organisms or synthesized in a laboratory, while minerals are inorganic elements found naturally in the environment. Vitamins are typically found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, while minerals are typically found in the soil and absorbed by plants and then consumed by humans. Vitamins are typically classified as either fat-soluble or water-soluble, while minerals are classified as either macro-minerals or trace minerals. Vitamins are essential for metabolic reactions such as energy production and cell growth, while minerals are essential for bone and teeth formation, as well as for muscle and nerve function. Vitamins must be obtained from the diet because the body cannot produce them, while minerals are obtained from both the diet and the environment.