Vitamins and Minerals

Although they do not produce energy, vitamins and minerals play a major role in the growth and development of the body, and the prevention of diseases.

Minerals are chemical elements used in the body to promote certain reactions and to form body structures. If we eat nutritious food, our bodies consume a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals to sustain life and prevent disease.

In general, during pregnancy there is an increased need for vitamins, minerals and iron. Vitamin deficiencies are more observable during pregnancy and have more sesrious consequences for the fetus. Neural tube defectsin hte first six weeks of pregnancy may cause anencephaly (no brain development), spinal bifida, and cleft palate. If you are a woman of child bearing age, 400 mg of folic acid daily is recommended. Witamin compounds are needed in only very small amounts in the diet to help regulate and support chemical reactions in the body. Diseases related to the vitamin deficiency are rarely seen in the Wst, or in developing countries and more often seen in under-developed areas around the world.