Chapter Summary

• A well-rounded, varied diet of mostly unprocessed foods will provide many of the DVs recommended by the FDA.
• High doses of water-soluble vitamins are excreted in the urine, although fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the tissues. High doses of fat-soluble vitamins can lead to toxicity and even death.
• Certain disease states require higher vitamin and mineral intake, supplemented beyond dietary sources.
• Vitamin-mineral supplements should be selected based on age, sex, and specific need.
• Coenzyme and antioxidant properties are critical functions of vitamins and minerals.
• Nutrition facts food labels and MyPlate can assist in choosing foods high in vitamins and minerals.
• RDAs and DVs reflect current nutrient research.