Vitamin C
VitaminC is a water soluble vitamin; meaning that it is not absorbed andstored by the body, thus it needs to be replenished daily. Vitamin Cserves a multitude of functions in the body. It helps to keep bloodvessels firm and helps to maintain a healthy immune system. One of themost important functions of Vitamin C is the aiding in the productionof collagen, the connective tissue that gives our body form and isvirtually throughout our body. Think of collagen as what supports ourskin, tendons, organs, bones, cartilage and muscles. We basically can'tlive without collagen.
Calcium
Calciumis a mineral essential for good health. Ninety-nine percent of thecalcium in your body is stored in your bones and teeth. The remaining1%, found mainly in your blood, helps control muscle movements, bloodclotting and nerve impulses. The skeleton is a calcium storage bank. Ifyour body does not get enough calcium from food, you can lose calciumfrom your bones. This will make your bones weaker.
Vitamin D
Themajor biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levelsof calcium and phosphorus. By promoting calcium absorption, vitamin Dhelps to form and maintain strong bones. Vitamin D also works inconcert with a number of other vitamins, minerals and hormones topromote bone mineralization. Without vitamin D, bones can become thin,brittle, or misshapen.
Vitamin B12
VitaminB12 is essential for folic acid metabolism and for the health of yournervous system and red blood cells. It also plays a key role inachieving normal homocycteine levels. It is important to have adequateamounts of Vitamin B12 in order to prevent anemia.
Vitamin B6
VitaminB6 performs a wide variety of functions in your body and is essentialfor your good health. For example, vitamin B6 is needed for more than100 enzymes involved in protein metabolism. It is also essential forred blood cell metabolism. The nervous and immune systems need vitaminB6 to function efficiently. Calories, protein, vitamins, and mineralsare all important to your immune system because they promote the growthof white blood cells that directly fight infections.
Magnesium
Magnesiumis a mineral that is required by every cell of your body. At least halfof the magnesium in your body is found in combination with calcium andphosphorus in your bones. The other half of your body's magnesiumstores are found inside cells of body tissues and organs. Magnesium isneeded for more than 300 biochemical actions in your body that controlmuscle contraction, nerve function, heartbeat, energy production, andprotein synthesis.
Zinc
Zincis an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell. Itstimulates the activity of approximately 100 enzymes, which aresubstances that promote biochemical reactions in your body. Zincsupports a healthy immune system, is needed for wound healing, helpsmaintain your sense of taste and smell, and is needed for DNAsynthesis. Zinc also supports normal growth and development duringpregnancy, childhood, and adolescence.
Potassium
Potassiumis a mineral that helps the kidneys function normally. It also assistsin fluid maintenance and electrolyte balance in body cells. Potassiumalso plays a key role in cardiac, skeletal, and smooth musclecontraction, making it an important nutrient for normal heart,digestive, and muscular function. A diet high in potassium from fruits,vegetables, and legumes is generally recommended for optimum hearthealth.
Iron
Iron,one of the most abundant metals on Earth, is essential to most lifeforms and to normal human physiology. Iron is an integral part of manyproteins and enzymes that maintain good health. In humans, iron is anessential component of proteins involved in oxygen transport. It isalso essential for the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. Adeficiency of iron limits oxygen delivery to cells, resulting infatigue, poor work performance, and decreased immunity.