Vitamins. Micronutrients that allow the body perform their functions and stay healthy, which are essential for metabolism, development and growth of the body are normal.

They are classified into two groups: fat soluble (soluble: A, D, E, and K) and water soluble (hydrosoluble: B1, B2, B5, B6, B8, B9, B12 and C), there are other nutrients that Vitamins are considered by some specialists, however, called it the other sector in this way and recognized as B13, B15, B17, choline, PABA, T, P and U.

* A. It is responsible for protecting the skin, is involved in the visioning process and participates in the development of enzymes (substances that provide chemical changes) in liver and sex hormones.

* B1 (Thiamine). It is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system and brain, as well as to reduce the effects of a hangover or raw.

* B2 (Riboflavin). Essential for energy production, growth and regeneration of tissues, relieves muscle cramps and decreased physical and mental fatigue.

* B3 (Niacin). Protects blood circulation disorders and allows it to carry out intellectual functions.

* B4 (Adenine). It stimulates white blood cell formation.

* B5 (pantothenic acid). Involved in the metabolism of a substance responsible for memory and concentration (acetylcholine), reduces stress and helps in relaxation.

* B6 (pyridoxine). Essential for the proper functioning of the brain, regulate the nervous system and promote the metabolism of proteins.
* B7 (Hill). Prevents fat from accumulating in the organs.
* B8 (biotin). Necessary for the formation of nerve cells and relieve stress and liver disease (liver).
* B9 (folic acid). Essential in the production of red blood cells, prevents birth defects, regenerates cells and allows genitals and nervous system are kept in good condition.

* B12 (Cobalamin). Its main function is to regenerate the bone marrow and red blood cells is essential in the formation of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), enhances memory and controls the irritability.
* B13 (orotic acid). It is known that participates in metabolism (chemical process that enables the use of nutrients) of folic acid and vitamin B12, and prevent liver problems and premature aging.
* B15 (pangamic acid). It has antioxidant effect (reduces destructive chemical reactions known as oxidation), facilitates the absorption of oxygen in all tissues, stimulates the immune system responses (one that prevents us from attack by viruses and bacteria), protects the body from cirrhosis, lowers blood cholesterol levels, controls the desire to drink alcohol and prolongs the life span of cells.
* B17 (aetrile). It is believed that its deficiency causes little resistance to cancer as well, we recommend taking it in very small quantities because part of the molecule is known cyanide (poison is highly toxic to the body).
* Hill. In the brain produces a substance that enhances memory and participates in the transmission of nerve impulses.
* PABA (PABA). Contributes to the formation of folic acid and proteins, and has been found to help keep skin in good condition and reduce pain caused by burns.
* C (ascorbic acid). Allows proper healing of wounds, promotes the absorption of iron and protects cells from external aggressions.
* D (calciferol). It forms in the skin by exposure to sun, sets the calcium in bones and prevents dental caries.
* E (tocopherol) .. Prevents the destruction of cells and allow the regeneration of tissues.
* K.. Also called antihemorrhagic because it is fundamental in the process of blood clotting.
* P.. It reinforces the action of vitamin C, has properties prevent bleeding and allows the proper functioning of the liver and kidneys.
* T. It has little knowledge of all functions of this vitamin, but it is known that is involved in blood clotting, a feature that makes it useful for treating anemia.
* U (acid Meninas). It has been found to be important in the treatment of ulcers, it is responsible for protecting and improving the state of the mucous membranes of stomach and intestine.

Mineral. Inorganic components of food, ie in nature are not part of the living. They play an important role in the body, since they are necessary for the formation of tissues and hormones, and participate in most chemical reactions involving enzymes. They are divided into three groups:
Macroelements. They are measured in grams and are what the body needs in larger quantities, here are grouped sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chloride and sulfur.

Microelements. Are required in smaller quantities and are calculated in milligrams (thousandths of a gram), this category includes iron, fluorine, iodine, manganese, cobalt, copper and zinc.

Trace elements. Are evaluated in micrograms (millionths of a gram); include silicon, nickel, chromium, lithium, molybdenum and selenium.

Dietary supplements are made up of one or more nutrients that are added to the diet to correct or prevent deficiencies of vitamins, minerals and proteins, helping in the recovery of the patient suffering an illness or has undergone surgery and to improve overall health.

Although the nutritional needs of human beings can be met by following a balanced diet, nutritional supplements are especially beneficial in the following circumstances:

* Malnutrition or deficiency of nutrients that is usually associated with diets low in vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and fats, changes in intestinal absorption process (ability to draw nutrients), chronic diarrhea and diseases such as cancer or AIDS.

Note that there are periods of life which are more prone to malnutrition, such as childhood, adolescence, pregnancy, lactation and age, the first being that you can leave severe sequelae, for example, decreased IQ, impaired learning and memory retention, poor muscle development and frequent infections. The latter represents one of the leading causes of death, because the nutrient deficiencies alter immune barriers that protect against the attack of germs.

* Anemia or decrease in blood hemoglobin levels (a protein found in red blood cells and carries oxygen from lungs to the body through veins and arteries), condition that is caused by diet deficient in iron, folic acid and vitamin B12, as well as bleeding or changes in the functioning of organs such as spleen (located behind the stomach) or bone marrow (yellow viscous-looking tissue found inside bones).

* To support the treatment of anorexia and bulimia, as those affected by these diseases require large input of nutrients.
* Alcohol, intoxicating drinks as often deplete vitamins and minerals.
* During childhood and adolescence, because in these stages need more nutrients because the body is in development.
* In old age, since aging decreases the consumption of food and the ability to absorb nutrients, and there is difficulty chewing, also, over time your metabolism (a process that can properly assimilate vitamins, minerals, proteins and fat) slows, which causes caloric requirements are lower.
* Convalescence.
* After surgery.
* During pregnancy and lactation because more nutrients are required to contribute to proper development of the baby.
* At menopause is advisable to administer calcium and multivitamin supplements, because they can prevent the onset of osteoporosis and improve the nutritional status of women.
* When practicing intense physical activity.