Vitamin Guide

Here you will find in-depth, quality information on the 46 most popular vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements. Learn where vitamins are naturally found, vitamin overdose symptoms, interactions with drugs, the official US Recommended Daily Allowances (USRDA), and a wealth of valuable vitamins advice, all in one place.
We see cartons of juice and boxes of cereal trumpeting their vitamin and mineral content, but why are these microscopic nutrients so important? From helping the body turn food into fuel, to fortifying bones and eyesight, vitamins and minerals are health superstars for sure. While the average diet usually includes adequate amounts of the essential nutrients without issue, it doesn’t hurt to be a little more aware of the vitamins and minerals that keep us living and smiling. But first, let’s iron out some key terms.
Minerals:
Minerals are inorganic substances (meaning they contain no carbon), and all hold on place on the good ol’ periodic table (flashback to 6th grade chemistry class!). They’re also necessary for normal body function and development. There are two groups of minerals: macrominerals (which the body needs in large doses) and trace minerals (only a pinch required).
Vitamins or minerals that are needed in larger doses are expressed in units of milligrams (mg). Trace minerals and vitamins are expressed in micrograms (mcg). There are 1,000 mcg in one milligram (no fancy math here). All of Greatist’s recommendations for daily intake (“What You Need”) and limits (What’s Too Much”) follow the RDA, AI, and UL guidelines.