All About Vitamins
This general term describes one of the essential organic compounds required in small amounts for normal metabolism.
What is a Vitamin
This substance, found in vitamins like C and E, helps protect your cells against the effects of free radicals.
What is an antioxidant?
Unlike a vitamin, this is an inorganic element, such as calcium or iron, that the body needs to function correctly
What is a mineral?
A lack of iodine in the diet can cause this tell-tale swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck.
What is a goiter?
As a group, these vitamins are best known for their role in energy metabolism, helping the body convert food into fuel.
What are the B vitamins?
Vitamins A, D, E, and K fall into this category, meaning they are absorbed with fat and can be stored in the body.
What is a fat-soluble vitamin?
Historically plaguing sailors, this disease is caused by a severe lack of Vitamin C.
What is Scurvy?
This is a mineral, like calcium or potassium, that the body needs in amounts of 100 milligrams or more per day.
What is a macromineral?
This term describes a product like a pill or powder taken to provide nutrients that might be missing from a diet.
What is a dietary supplement?
A deficiency of riboflavin, also known as this vitamin, can lead to skin disorders and cracks at the corners of the mouth.
What is Vitamin B2?
Because they are not stored in the body, this category of vitamins, which includes C and the B-complex, must be replenished regularly.
What is a water-soluble vitamin?
A deficiency of thiamin (Vitamin B1) can lead to this disease that affects the nervous system and heart.
What is beriberi?
Needed in very small quantities, iron and zinc are examples of this type of essential mineral.
What is a trace element?
Milk with added Vitamin D and salt with added iodine are examples of this type of food.
What is a fortified food?
Getting enough of this B vitamin, also known as folate, is critically important during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects.
What is Vitamin B9 (or Folic Acid)?
A deficiency in Vitamin A can lead to this condition, making it difficult to see in dim light.
What is night blindness?
Niacin (Vitamin B3) deficiency is the cause of this disease, known for the "three D's": dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.
What is pellagra?
A diet lacking in the mineral calcium is a major risk factor for this condition of brittle, fragile bones.
What is osteoporosis?
This is the general term for a natural chemical compound found in plants that may have health-related benefits.
What is a phytonutrient?
This B vitamin is almost exclusively found in animal products, making supplementation a key concern for those on a vegan diet.
What is Vitamin B12?
This skeletal disorder in children that causes soft, weak bones is often due to a lack of Vitamin D.
What is rickets?
Though often linked to iron, a lack of vitamins like B12 or folate can also cause this condition of having too few red blood cells.
What is Anemia?
The medical term for high blood pressure, it's often linked to excessive dietary intake of sodium.
What is hypertension?
This specific phytonutrient gives carrots their orange color and can be converted into Vitamin A in the body.
What is a carotenoid?
Also called pyridoxine, this B vitamin is essential for creating neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine.
What is Vitamin B6?