Question

why do our bodies need vitamins and trace minerals? Give two examples and their function.

Answer 1

vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that are required for metabolism, growth and development of cells of the body. These molecules cannot be synthesized by human body and hence need to be supplied in the diet.

Vitamins are organic molecules that are classified as fat soluble and water soluble. Fat soluble vitamins include vitamin A, D E and K, whereas water soluble vitamin includes Vitamin B complex and vitamin C. The vitamin B complex acts as coenzymes for many essential biochemical reactions occurring in the cells and some vitamins (A, C, E and K) acts as antioxidants and prevent the cells from free radicals.

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid acts as a cofactor in the hydroxylation reaction of proline and lysine residues of collagen molecule (that forms a major component of the extracellular matrix). This hydroxylation occurs post translationally and aids in the cross linking of collagen peptides. A long term deficiency of Vitamin C can impair this hydroxylation reaction, leading to loosening of collagen and resulting in scurvy.

Calcium is an extremely essential trace mineral that is required for bone formation, blood clotting and contraction of muscles.