Vitamins & Minerals
Biology: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 7.1.2
Vitamins and Minerals
A ‘balanced diet’ is one where all the nutritional requirements of the body are met, and includes the following vitamins and minerals:
Vitamin C
- Vitamin C is important for making collagen (an important protein in blood vessels and skin).
- Vitamin C prevents scurvy.
- Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits (e.g. lemons and oranges) as well as some other fruits like strawberries.
Vitamin D
- Vitamin D is needed for absorbing calcium and phosphorous, which is important for keeping bones healthy.
- Vitamin D prevents rickets.
- Vitamin D is found in oily fish, egg yolks and shiitake mushrooms.
Iron
- Iron is needed to make haemoglobin, which carries oxygen around the body in red blood cells.
- Iron is found in red meats, liver and nuts.
Calcium
- Calcium is important for growing bones and teeth.
- Calcium is found in dairy (e.g. milk) and green vegetables (e.g. broccoli).
Test yourself on Vitamins & Minerals
In which foods are vitamins C and D found?