Vitamins are organic and can be broken down by heat, air, or acid. Minerals are inorganic and hold on to their chemical structure. So why does this matter? It means the minerals in soil and water easily find their way into your body through the plants, fish, animals, and fluids you consume.
How are vitamins and minerals metabolized in the body?
The liver acts as a storage site for some vitamins, minerals and glucose. These provide a vital source of energy for the body which the liver transforms into glycogen for more efficient storage (see 'metabolism'). The liver stores vitamins and minerals for the times when they may be lacking in the diet.
Are vitamins and minerals broken down in digestion?
"Water-soluble vitamins are packed into the watery portions of the foods you eat," Brooking says. As food is broken down during digestion — or as a supplement dissolves as it makes its way through your system — these vitamins are absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
What part of the body breaks down vitamins?
That food moves through the esophagus into the stomach, where molecules of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and other nutrients are further broken down, usually by stomach acids.
Where are vitamins broken down and absorbed?
Essentially all vitamin absorption occurs in the small intestine.
