The Core Difference: Organic vs. Inorganic
The fundamental difference between vitamins and minerals is that vitamins are organic compounds, meaning they are made by living things like plants and animals. In contrast, minerals are inorganic elements that originate from the earth, soil, and water and are absorbed by plants or consumed by animals.
Section 2: Chemical Structure and Stability
Vitamins are complex organic molecules that contain carbon. Because of their complex structure, they can be broken down and destroyed by heat, air, or acid. Minerals are simpler, single elements that hold onto their chemical structure. This means they are more stable and are not broken down by cooking or digestion.
Section 3: A Practical Example
Consider spinach. It contains both Vitamin C (a vitamin) and iron (a mineral). If you boil the spinach for a long time, much of the Vitamin C can be destroyed by the heat and leach into the water. However, the iron content remains stable because, as a mineral, it is not broken down by heat.
Section 4: Roles in the Body
Both vitamins and minerals are crucial for bodily functions, but they often play different roles. Many vitamins act as coenzymes, helping enzymes to release energy from food. Minerals often become part of the body's structure, such as calcium in bones, or are essential for tasks like nerve function and fluid balance.