Water-soluble vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins don’t get stored, they circulate in your bloodstream and whatever you don’t use is excreted in your urine.

Vitamin C and vitamin B complex – B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), niacin, B6 (pyridoxine), folic acid, B12 (cobalamin), biotin, and pantothenic acid are all water soluble vitamins and need to be consumed regularly.

Vitamin B complex is made up of vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid, biotin, and pantothenic acid. They are important in metabolic activity – they help make energy available when your body needs it. They are also involved in making red blood cells, which carry oxygen around your body.

Vitamin C supports body tissues, such as gums, bones and blood vessels and it helps you heal and resist infection.

Fat-soluble vitamins

Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the fatty tissue in your body and in your liver. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins.

Vitamin A is important for eyesight. It’s great for night vision, and helps you see in colour too. It also helps your body fight infections by boosting your immune system.

Vitamin D helps your body absorb the amount of calcium it needs for strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D can also be made in the skin when exposed to sunlight.

Vitamin E protects cells and tissues from damage and keeps red blood cells healthy.

Vitamin K plays an important role in assisting blood clotting.

Minerals include…

Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, and sulphur.

Calcium helps build strong bones and teeth.

Potassium keeps your muscles and nervous system working properly, it helps the body access the nutrition it needs.

Trace elements

We need a smaller amount of these – include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride and selenium.

Iron is important in the formation of haemoglobin which is the part of your red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout your body.

Zinc boosts your immune system to fight off illnesses and infections. It also helps with cell growth and healing wounds.

Nervous system

Biotin, copper, niacin and potassium contribute to normal functioning of the nervous system.

Your nervous system is made up of your brain, spinal cord and all the nerves of your body and controls everything you do, including breathing, walking, thinking, and feeling.

The brain is the control centre and the spinal cord is the highway to and from the brain.

The nerves carry the messages to and from the body, so the brain can interpret them and take action.

Immune system

Copper, iron, vitamin C and vitamin B12 contribute to the normal function of the immune system.

The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues and organs that work together to protect the body.

Your lymphatic system contains tiny channels that connect lymph nodes which contain a clear fluid with leukocytes (white blood cells).

“Glands” on the sides of your neck which swell up when you are unwell are actually lymph nodes; they contain clusters of immune system cells and when they’re swollen, it means your immune system is at work.

Bones & teeth

Protein, calcium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D, vitamin K, fluoride and zinc contribute to the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth.

An adult human body has 206 bones.

Osteoporosis or bone wasting can be caused by diseases or other factors like hormone problems, poor diet or medications, however, the most common cause of osteoporosis is age.

You can strengthen your bones by walking or taking part in any other weight-bearing exercise.

Skin, hair & nails

Iodine, biotin, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin A and zinc contribute to the maintenance of normal skin, biotin selenium and zinc to healthy hair and selenium and zinc also contribute to healthy nails.

Your skin is the largest organ in your body and as the words of the song goes, it keeps the outside out and your insides in.

Your skin is constantly protecting you. It helps you warm up when you’re cold and can cool you off when you’re hot. It lets you feel things by touch. Your skin keeps infections out of your body and helps prevent you from getting ill.

Muscle mass

Calcium, potassium and magnesium contribute to normal muscle function, and protein contributes to growth and maintenance of muscle mass.

The human body has more than 600 muscles. Muscles are all made of the same fibrous material.

Involuntary muscles, your heart or digestive system, work without you thinking about it.

Skeletal muscles are voluntary muscles, you can control what they do. They work with your bones to give your body power and strength.

Cognitive function

Iodine, iron and zinc contribute to normal cognitive function.

Vitamins B6, B12 and C, iron, magnesium, pantothenic acid and riboflavin contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

When your body doesn’t have enough sleep, you may be unable to think clearly. Niacin contributes to normal psychological function.

Metabolism

Vitamin B6, chromium, molybdenum, sodium and zinc are some of the minerals involved in metabolism.

Metabolism is a variety of chemical reactions including digestion and the transport of substances into and between different cells.

Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity.

Selenium and iodine contribute to normal thyroid function.

Blood cells

Calcium, copper, iron, potassium, vitamins A, B6, B12, C and K, thiamin, magnesium and riboflavin are all involved in red blood cell formation and in transporting vitamins and minerals around the body.

Reducing saturated fat and replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats in the diet contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels.

NutriPots are low in saturated fats.