| Vitamin and mineral supplements for teens can be | | | | receive these nutrients into our bodies. |
| an important part of their daily routine. Many are | | | | What are the benefits of supplements? |
| involved in extra-curricular activities, such as | | | | If you are not getting the proper nutrition in your |
| sports and other after school events that | | | | diet, you may need to supplement with vitamins |
| prevent them from getting the proper nutrition. | | | | and minerals. Benefits include: |
| Their diet may be comprised of pizza, fried foods, | | | | - Immune system booster. |
| chips, and sugar-laden sodas, making a ripe | | | | - Aid in growth |
| atmosphere for the development of acne and | | | | - Helps the efficient functioning of organs. |
| other health problems. | | | | Healthy diet For Teens: |
| What is a vitamin? | | | | While a teen is undergoing all the associated |
| Vitamins are essential nutrients found in most of | | | | growth and physical change it is important their |
| the foods we eat, as well as in dietary | | | | diet helps facilitate this. The diet needs to include: |
| supplements. They are critical in helping our bodies | | | | - Fruit and vegetables. |
| to function normally, slow the aging process, and | | | | - Whole grains and nuts. |
| help fight disease. | | | | - Lean meats, fish, and poultry. |
| A good diet will usually be enough for us to | | | | - Low fat dairy items. |
| receive all the essential nutrients, but if a particular | | | | Vegetarians must be careful to avoid vitamin |
| area is lacking, supplements can be used. | | | | deficits in zinc and iron, which are found in animal |
| Two categories: | | | | products. These trace minerals can be obtained in |
| Essential nutrients are available as fat soluble and | | | | dried beans, seeds, nuts, and fresh green |
| water soluble. Fat soluble vitamins easily dissolve in | | | | vegetables. |
| fat and can accumulate in the body to cause | | | | Vitamin B12 aids in red blood cell production. If you |
| toxicity. Fat soluble vitamins include A, D, E, and K. | | | | are not a meat eater, your best source for B12 |
| Water soluble vitamins on the other hand are not | | | | is eggs, dairy products, and whole grain breakfast |
| stored by the body and need to be constantly | | | | cereals. |
| replenished. Examples of this category are | | | | Vegans, who will have nothing to do with animal |
| vitamins B and C. | | | | products, must take vitamin and mineral |
| Vitamin sources: | | | | supplements to avoid vitamin deficiencies and |
| Vitamins come from organic plant sources, while | | | | maintain health. |
| minerals are derived from the soil and are non | | | | If you are a teen and not eating the proper diet, |
| organic. Minerals are soaked up from the soil by | | | | talk with your parents about contacting your |
| plants or are ingested by animals. Our diet, which | | | | physician for help in finding the vitamins and |
| consists of plant and animal sources, allows us to | | | | minerals you may need. |