Micronutrients 101: Why Vitamins and Minerals Matter

Vitamins and minerals are needed in much smaller amounts than protein, carbohydrates, and fat, but they're involved in an enormous range of body functions — from bone health (calcium, vitamin D) to oxygen transport (iron) to immune function (vitamin C, zinc) and beyond.

Because no single food contains every vitamin and mineral the body needs, eating a variety of foods — different vegetables, fruits, proteins, and whole grains — is one of the most consistently supported general recommendations in nutrition science.

Some teenagers, particularly those with restrictive diets, high training volumes, or specific medical conditions, may have higher needs for certain nutrients. That determination should involve a healthcare professional rather than guesswork or general online advice, including this page.

This resource is educational in nature and does not diagnose or treat any nutrient deficiency.