The human body cannot function properly without vitamins and minerals.  They are essential to maintain good health and to prevent certain diseases.

They are found in many different foods and by eating a balanced diet you should be able to get enough to maintain a healthy body.

Types of vitamins

Vitamins come in two broad forms:

• Water-soluble vitamins B complex and C – the body cannot store this type so we have to get these from the food we eat daily and are easily destroyed by cooking;

• Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K – are only needed in small amounts.  The body does not need these every day and any excess is stored in the liver and fatty tissue when not used.  Big doses of these vitamins can be toxic and lead to health problems.