Vitamins and Minerals are part of foods that we take daily and have important role in proper cell functions and metabolism. They categorized under micro-nutrients. Unlike macro-nutrients which produce energy, Vitamins and Minerals don't directly generate energy for the body. They are mainly responsible for chemical reactions inside cells, facilitate metabolism, acting as antioxidant to protect cells from damage, healthy growth, and maintaining health. 

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There are two kind of Vitamins:

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• Fat soluble:  Vitamin A, D, and K

• Water soluble: Vitamin B and C

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There are also 16 essential Minerals which play important roles in maintaining body functions, fluid and electrolytes balance, cell proliferation, Oxygen transportation and other important reactions. These essential Minerals are: Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulfur, Sodium, Chloride, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Iodine, Selenium, Molybdenum, Chromium, and Fluoride.

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Although each person needs a very little amount of these Minerals, however any deficiency of them can be crucial. Some Minerals can be only find in certain foods, which cause problem in specific diet (like vegetarian diet).

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Normally the body can absorb Vitamins and Minerals from daily foods, however if there is any problem in gastrointestinal system, this absorption will be reduced. For example if a person can not absorb either fat or water, intake of Vitamins will decreased.

 

A Naturopathic Doctor will evaluate, assess and replace essential Vitamins and Minerals of a patient to ensure a perfect energy production and other intracellular reactions. This can be achieved by Vitamin and Supplement Therapy, after comprehensive examination of any possible interaction with any drugs that patient takes. Consuming excessive Vitamins and Minerals can be problematic as well and should be only under supervision of a healthcare providers to avoid possible disorders. 

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