Vitamins and Minerals Vocab List

Macronutrients

The nutrients needed in larger amounts (carbs proteins and fats)

Micronutrients

The nutrients needed in smaller amounts (vitamins and minerals)

Protein

Required for the structure, function and regulation of the body’s tissue and organs

Fat

Macronutrients essential for energy, growth, and maintenance of body

Carbohydrates

Macronutrients, primary energy source for body

Vitamins

Made by living things in small amounts, assisting in many chemical reactions within the body

Minerals

Nutrients that occur naturally in rocks & soil, which body requires only small amounts

Vitamin A

Maintains healthy skin, bones, teeth, and hair; aids in vision, in dim light

Vitamin B1

Aids in carbohydrates use and nervous system function

Vitamin B2

Aids in metabolism of carbohydrates proteins, and fats

Vitamin B3

Aids in metabolism

Vitamin C

aids in bone teeth, and skin formation resistance to infection iron uptake

Biotin

Aids in metabolism

Vitamin D

Maintains bones and teeth helps in use of calcium and phosphorus

Vitamin E

aids in maintenance of red blood cells, vitamin A and fats

Vitamin K

Aids in blood clotting

Calcium

Important in blood clotting and functioning the nervous system bones and teeth

Phosphorus

Helps build and maintain bones and teeth, energy metabolism

Magnesium

Helps build bones and proteins, energy, metabolism, muscle contraction

Sodium

Helps maintain water balance; nerve function

Chlorine

Helps maintain water balance; digestion

Potassium

Helps maintain water balance and make protein; functioning of heart and nervous system

Sulfur

Forms part of some amino acids and B vitamins

Iodine

Helps in metabolism as part of thyroid hormone

Selenium

Helps break down harmful substances

Iron

Part of red blood cells; helps in energy metabolism

Zinc

Part of many substances that help carry out body processes

Fluorine

Helps form strong teeth and bones