Vitamins and Minerals: A Simple Overview

Vitamins and minerals are nutrients the body needs in small amounts. Most people can get many of them from a varied diet.

Some you might hear about

• Vitamin C: citrus fruit, peppers, berries
• Vitamin D: fatty fish, fortified milk, and sunlight exposure
• Calcium: dairy, fortified plant milks, leafy greens
• Iron: beans, lentils, meat, fortified cereals
• Potassium: bananas, potatoes, beans, yogurt

Food first

Eating a variety of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and proteins usually covers a lot of ground. Different colors of produce provide different nutrients.

About supplements

Some people have specific needs, for example during pregnancy or with certain conditions or diets. If you are considering a supplement, talk to a healthcare professional first, since more is not always better.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. See our Disclaimer.