Vitamins and Minerals
Biology: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 2.3.12
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), and for repairing bones and teeth.
- Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits (e.g. lemons and oranges) and blackcurrants.
Vitamin D
- Vitamin D is needed for absorbing calcium and phosphorous, which is important for keeping bones healthy.
- Vitamin D is found in oily fish and egg yolks.
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).
Vitamin A
- Vitamin A is important for keeping the immune system healthy and for vision in dim light.
- Vitamin A is found in liver and in yellow/orange fruits and vegetables like carrots and apricots.
Test yourself on Vitamins and Minerals
In which foods are these vitamins found?