BREAD

JEEP

Catharina r. gamueda

BED

HEN

DEFINITION:

vitamin A n. A fat-soluble vitamin or a mixture of vitamins, especially vitamin A1 or a mixture of vitamins A1 and A2, occurring principally in fish-liver oils, milk, and some yellow and dark green vegetables, and functioning in normal cell growth and development. Its deficiency causes hardening and roughening of the skin, night blindness, and degeneration of mucous membranes. Also called retinol. vitamin B complex n. A group of water-soluble vitamins including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, pyridoxine, folic acid, inositol, and vitamin B12 and occurring chiefly in yeast, liver, eggs, and some vegetables. Also called B complex. Vitamin C: An essential nutrient found mainly in fruits and vegetables. The body requires vitamin C to form and maintain bones, blood vessels, and skin.

Definition: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. It's not found in many foods unless they have been fortified with supplemental vitamin D. Normally, your body makes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is required by your body to absorb and utilize calcium, which keeps your bones and teeth strong. A vitamin D deficiency leads to weakened bones and rickets in children and osteomalaciain adults.

Definition: Vitamin E is a member of the fat-soluble family of vitamins that also includes vitamin D, vitamin K and vitamin A. Vitamin E is important as an antioxidant that protects the cells of your body from free radical damage. Vitamin E is also an important component of the immune system and is necessary to repair DNA.

Definition: A member of the fat-soluble family of vitamins that also includes vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin A. Vitamin K is important for normal blood clotting and may help to keep your bones strong as you age. Vitamin K deficiency is rare, but may occur after long-term use of antibiotics. It is important to note that people who are taking blood thinners should consult with their doctors or pharmacists about vitamin K supplementation because taking extra vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of blood thinners.

Iron: An essential mineral. Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen (via hemoglobin in red blood cells) and for oxidation by cells (via cytochrome). Deficiency of iron is a common cause of anemia. Food sources of iron include meat, poultry, eggs, vegetables and cereals (especially those fortified with iron). According to the National Academy of Sciences, the Recommended Dietary Allowances of iron are 15 milligrams per day for women and 10 milligrams per day for men. Iron overload can damage the heart, liver, gonads and other organs. Iron overload is a particular risk in people who may have certain genetic conditions (hemochromatosis) sometimes without knowing it and also in people receiving recurrent blood transfusions. Iron supplements meant for adults (such as pregnant women) are a major cause of poisoning in children.

Definition: Calcium is a major mineral and is the most abundant mineral in the human body. Most of it is stored in the bones and teeth (about 99 percent), and the rest is in your blood, muscles and extracellular fluid. Calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth, plus it plays an important role in blood clotting, muscle contraction, hormonal secretion and normal nervous system function.

Definition: Zinc is a trace mineral you need for normal growth and healthy immune system function. It's involved in protein production, DNA synthesis and cell division. Zinc is also necessary for hundreds ofenzymes that function in different chemical reactions, and is also crucial for a normal sense of smell and taste. Definition: Potassium is a major mineral that is necessary for normal growth and for making proteins from amino acids that come from your diet. It's also needed for metabolizing carbohydrates. Potassium is an electrolyte, which means it carries an electrical current. Electrolytes regulate the pH and fluid balance of your body. Most of the potassium in your body is found in the cells of your body. Definition: Iodine is a trace mineral that your body needs to synthesize thyroid hormones that are necessary for regulating your body's growth, development, metabolism and body temperature. Most iodine in your body is found in the thyroid gland, but some is also found in the blood and muscles.