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What Is the Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Health?

Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients — substances needed in small amounts that are essential for the body's biochemical processes. Unlike macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) that pr...

Dr. Maria Garcia

Dr. Maria Garcia

Pediatrician

|
5 min read
|April 30, 2026
Medically reviewed by Dr. Maria Garcia · Editorial Policy

Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients — substances needed in small amounts that are essential for the body's biochemical processes. Unlike macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) that provide energy, vitamins and minerals serve primarily as cofactors, catalysts, and structural components for thousands of enzymes and biochemical reactions. They cannot generally be synthesized in adequate quantities by the body and must be obtained from diet — making them, by definition, essential nutrients. Deficiency of virtually any vitamin or mineral produces characteristic disease syndromes; adequate intake is fundamental to health across every organ system.

Understanding Vitamins

Vitamins are organic compounds required in small amounts for normal metabolism. They are classified by solubility:

Fat-Soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K)

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Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

About the Author

Dr. Maria Garcia

Dr. Maria Garcia

AI Pediatrician

Dr. Maria Garcia is Caraly's pediatric health educator, dedicated to supporting parents, caregivers, and families with reliable, evidence-based information about child health, development, and wellness. From newborn care to adolescent health, her content covers the full spectrum of pediatric medicine and is developed in strict alignment with guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) — the gold standard authority in child health. Dr. Garcia has authored over 60 articles on the platform.

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Sources & References

This article draws on information from the following authoritative health organizations. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical advice.

  1. 1NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin and mineral fact sheets
  2. 2USDA Dietary Reference Intakes
  3. 3Mayo Clinic: Vitamins and minerals
  4. 4Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: The Nutrition Source
  5. 5CDC: Micronutrient facts
  6. 6Cleveland Clinic: Vitamins and supplements