Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients for the body. Minerals, also called micronutrients, are things that your body needs. But notice that all can be obtained through food and a proper diet, and food it the most easily, and effectively, used by the body.

There are generally 13 vitamins. Four of them fat-soluble and nine are water- soluble. The fat-soluble are stored in the body and can cause body harm, such as the liver. Too much of the fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E and K, stored in the body can be toxic to the body.

The water-soluble vitamins are easily absorbed, and excreted from the body. In cooking, and washing vegetables, they can be reduced or lost. Even so overdoses can occur.

Some helpful tips.

Vitamin Poisoning

Usually vitamin and mineral poisoning occurs when taking supplements. Vitamins and minerals, are classed as foods, and are not regulated by the government, the FDA. That means that care must be taken when taking vitamins and minerals, which means talking to you doctor about what you should take and in what quantities. Some people believe that if a little is good for them, then a lot of it is even better. That is not true.

Fat Soluble Vitamins

These are stored in the body and can be more easily overdosed. For example, vitamin D can damage the kidneys, vitamin A the liver, and too much Niacin can cause heart and liver problems.

Vitamins can Help Reduce Depression

The B vitamins are good for mental health including depression. Minerals are also helpful, magnesium and zinc for example. Talk to your doctor if you have depression, and have him guide you into what to take and in what quantity. These vitaminsand minerals will not cure depression, but only help in enduring it.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 affects out metabolism, helps in forming red blood cells, and in maintaining the nervous system. Without it we would be in trouble. However notice that it is obtained from eggs, poultry, beef, pork, shellfish, and milk. The likely-hood is that we get enough each day through our diet.

Single Vitamin Vs Multiple Vitamin Supplements

Single Vitamins are fine to take, however notice that it is easier to overdose when taking one vitamin at a time. Multiple vitamins usually stay close to the Recommended Daily Allowance, RDA, and thus are safer, yet one can overdose with them. It is wise to not take any vitamin or mineral in doses larger than the RDA. The smartest move is to talk with your doctor and get his recommendations for you, especially if you have any medical condition.

Vitamins and minerals are generally safe to take, yet it is wise to go with name brands, and in RDA quantities. It is always wise to discuss a vitamin and mineral program with your doctor, and especially if you have a medical condition.