Essential nutrients

​Essential nutrients are substances that the body cannot synthesize in sufficient quantities

and must be obtained through the diet to maintain normal physiological functions.

Carbohydrates

Protein

Fat

Vitamins

Minerals

Fibre

Water

Are vitamins made from minerals?

Not exactly… here’s the deal:

  • Some vitamins, like B12, need a mineral (like cobalt) as part of their structure. So in that case, yes, a vitamin contains a mineral.

  • But most vitamins are organic compounds (carbon-based) made by plants or animals (or added synthetically to foods), and minerals are inorganic elements from the Earth (like iron, zinc, magnesium).

So while vitamins and minerals are different, they often work together in the body like teammates. For example:

  • Vitamin D helps absorb calcium

  • Zinc is needed to activate vitamin A

  • Cobalt is part of vitamin B12

Pretty cool synergy, right?