Difference Between Minerals and Vitamins

Vitamins and minerals are needed for the maintenance of a healthy human body. The vitamins and minerals that are needed for the human body are considered to be the same by many people. However, they are different in various aspects. The similarity between these two is they are needed for maintaining a healthy body. They are responsible for various roles in the human body. These were not produced by the human body in heavy amounts so they can be taken from various food.

Tabular Differences Between Minerals and Vitamins

The differences between Minerals and Vitamins are discussed below:

Aspect	Minerals	Vitamins
Source	Derived from soil, rocks, and water.	Obtained from plants and animals
Structure	Inorganic substances	Organic compounds
Requirement	Needed in larger amounts (macrominerals)	Needed in smaller amounts (micronutrients)
Absorption	Absorbed through the digestive system	Absorbed through the bloodstream
Stability	Generally stable under heat and light	Sensitive to heat, light, and air
Functions	Structural components, enzyme activity	Coenzymes, regulators of metabolism
Deficiency	Can cause various health issues	This can lead to specific deficiency diseases
Toxicity	Can be harmful in excessive amounts	Generally not toxic in excessive amounts
Examples	Calcium, iron, magnesium	Vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B12
Recommended Intake	Measured in milligrams or grams	Measured in micrograms or milligrams.

What are Minerals?

“Minerals are inorganic compounds that come naturally from soil, rocks, or water. They are involved in various metabolic events, cell formation and growth, ion balancing, and other processes”.

Depending on their requirements in the human body. They are classified as:

• Macro-nutrients: The minerals which are needed in high quantity are known as Macro-nutrients. They include like calcium, sulfur, phosphorous, iron, potassium, sulfur, etc.
• Micronutrients: The minerals which are needed in small quantities are known as Micro-nutrients. They include cobalt, zinc, boron, copper, manganese, chloride, etc.

What are Vitamins?

“Vitamins are organic substances which are created inside the human body. They are required to carry out our regular metabolic activities”. These vitamins are water-soluble and also fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins cannot be stored in the human body for a long time. They are excreted in the urine. The fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in the liver and fatty tissues. These are stored in the human body for a long time. Examples of vitamins include Vitamins A, B, and C.

Summary

In summary, Vitamins and minerals are needed for the maintenance of a healthy human body. The vitamins and minerals which are needed for the human body are considered to be the same by many people. However, they are different in various aspects. The similarity between these two is they are needed for maintaining a healthy body. They are responsible for various roles in the human body. These were not produced by the human body in heavy amounts so they can be taken from various food.

FAQ’s on Difference Between Minerals and Vitamins

1. What are Minerals and Vitamins?

Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients required by the body to carry out a range of normal functions. However, these micronutrients are not produced in our bodies and must be derived from the food we eat. Vitamins are organic substances that are generally classified as either fat soluble or water soluble.

2. What happens when Minerals and Vitamins are deficient in the human body?

When minerals and vitamins are deficient in the human body, due to their deficiency in the human body, health issues can be raised.

3. What are the 7 major Minerals?

The major minerals, which are used and stored in large quantities in the body, are calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and sulfur.

4. How many Vitamins are Minerals?

There are 13 essential vitamins — vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, B6, B12, and folate). Vitamins have different jobs to help keep the body working properly.

5. What are the 4 main Functions of Minerals?

Minerals help maintain acid-base balance, to keep the body pH neutral. Minerals help regulate body processes, such as in enzyme systems. Minerals function in nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction. Minerals help release energy from food.