Nutrition Essentials: Vitamins & Minerals from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Differentiate between individual vitamins and minerals, including their basic functions and the consequences of deficiency
Select foods which are high in vitamin and mineral content; understanding the exact vitamin and mineral makeup of common whole foods

Determine, along with their healthcare provider, whether or not supplementation could be advantageous to their health

Differentiate between individual vitamins and minerals, including their basic functions and the consequences of deficiency
Select foods which are high in vitamin and mineral content; understanding the exact vitamin and mineral makeup of common whole foods
Determine, along with their healthcare provider, whether or not supplementation could be advantageous to their health

Syllabus

Learn what vitamins and minerals are, and why we need them.

Welcome, students! In this module we will cover the basic course outline. I will explain the specific reasons I have created the course, and what you can expect to learn from it.

In this final introductory module we will discuss the controversy surrounding vitamins and minerals, specifically in regard to supplementation. I'll answer questions such as:

Do vitamins stave off disease?
Does healthy food provide all that I need?
Should I be taking supplements?

… and more.

This module covers Vitamin A, also known as “Retinol.” The following questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Vitamin A?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

You may have heard of the 'B Vitamins,' but what are they and why is there more than just one?

This module covers Vitamin B1, also known as “Thiamin.” The following questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of B1?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

Riboflavin is often added to foods like cereal, but why is that? The following questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Riboflavin?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

This vitamin has the unusual ability to make humans blush with heat. What's the deal? We'll discuss this strange behavior, and answer the following questions:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Niacin?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

Have you noticed a trend with the B Vitamins so far? They seem to have a number associated with them. However, there is no Vitamin B4. So, where did it go?

I'll answer this question specifically, while discussing additional naming oddities surrounding vitamins, in this module.

This module covers Vitamin B5, also known as “Pantothenic Acid.” The following questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of B5?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

This module covers Vitamin B6. The following questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of B6?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

This module covers Biotin. The following questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Biotin?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

This module covers Folic Acid, another vitamin that is commonly added to breakfast cereals. The following questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Folic Acid?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

This module covers Vitamin B12, also known as “Cobalamin.” The following questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of B12?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

This module covers what may be the most popular vitamin of all—C, also known as “Ascorbic Acid.” The following questions will be answered:

Why is Vitamin C so well known?
How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Vitamin C?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

This module covers Vitamin D, also known as “Calciferol.” The following questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Vitamin D?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

This module covers Vitamin E, also known as “Alpha-Tocopherol.” The following questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Vitamin E?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

This module covers Vitamin K. The following questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Vitamin K?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

Woah! That was a lot of vitamins. Let's see how much you can remember.

This module covers Calcium. When most people think of Calcium, they think milk. Is that really the best source of calcium? We'll discuss this and the following questions:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Calcium?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

This module covers Chloride. The following questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Chloride?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

This module covers Magnesium. The following questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Magnesium?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

This module covers Phosphorous. The following questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Phosphorous?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

This module covers Potassium. We'll go 'bananas' in this lecture! The following questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Potassium?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

This module covers Sulfur. The following questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Sulfur?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

This module covers Chromium. The following questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Chromium?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

This module covers Copper. The following questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Copper?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

This module covers Iodine. Ever wonder why table salt is typically “Iodized?” We'll talk about it in this lecture. The following additional questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Iodine?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

This module covers Iron. Can it make you strong as steel? Let's discuss! The following additional questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Iron?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

This module covers Manganese. The following questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Manganese?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

This module covers Molybdenum. The following questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Molybdenum?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

This module covers Selenium. The following questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Selenium?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

This module covers Zinc. The following questions will be answered:

How much does the human body need?
What are some natural sources of Zinc?
What happens if I don't get enough?
Is there a problem with getting too much?

Yikes! There are even more minerals in this section than vitamins in the previous one. Let's see how much you can remember about them.

Congratulations! You've made it through the entire course. Now, let's bring it all together.

This comprehensive exam will test your knowledge of all material covered throughout the course. There will be a mix of questions pulled directly from previous assessments and entirely new questions to test your knowledge!

Career center

Learners who complete Nutrition Essentials: Vitamins & Minerals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist provides evidence-based medical nutrition therapy and counseling, helping individuals manage health conditions or achieve wellness goals through diet. This involves assessing nutritional needs, developing meal plans, and educating clients on healthy eating. The "Nutrition Essentials: Vitamins & Minerals" course helps build a robust foundation in understanding specific vitamins and minerals, their functions, deficiency symptoms, and natural food sources. This deep knowledge of micronutrients is central to a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist's ability to address dietary imbalances and provide precise, personalized advice, especially concerning supplementation and the nutrient makeup of common foods. An advanced degree and supervised practice are typically required for this profession.

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Sports Nutritionist

A Sports Nutritionist specializes in advising athletes and active individuals on dietary strategies to optimize performance, recovery, and overall health. This involves tailoring nutrition plans to specific training demands and individual needs. The "Nutrition Essentials: Vitamins & Minerals" course is highly relevant for an aspiring Sports Nutritionist. It provides comprehensive knowledge about individual vitamins and minerals, their critical roles in energy metabolism, muscle function, hydration, and injury prevention, which are paramount for athletes. Understanding natural food sources and the appropriate use of supplementation, as covered in the course, helps a Sports Nutritionist precisely address an athlete's micronutrient needs for peak performance and vitality. An advanced degree is typically required for this profession.

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Nutrition Coach

A Nutrition Coach guides clients in improving their dietary habits and overall health through personalized strategies and education. This involves setting realistic nutrition goals, offering support, and empowering individuals to make informed food choices. The "Nutrition Essentials: Vitamins & Minerals" course is exceptionally relevant for an aspiring Nutrition Coach. It provides comprehensive knowledge about individual vitamins and minerals, their roles in the body, and the impact of deficiencies or excesses. Understanding the nutrient content of foods and the considerations around supplementation, as covered in the course, helps a Nutrition Coach effectively educate clients on achieving a balanced diet for greater health and vitality.

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Supplement Formulator

A Supplement Formulator designs and develops nutritional supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and other dietary aids. This role requires in-depth scientific knowledge of active ingredients, dosages, bioavailability, and regulatory guidelines. The "Nutrition Essentials: Vitamins & Minerals" course offers exceptionally relevant and detailed knowledge for an aspiring Supplement Formulator. It provides a thorough understanding of individual vitamin and mineral requirements, the consequences of deficiency or excess, and the controversies surrounding supplementation. This specific insight into how the human body utilizes these substances is critical for formulating safe and effective products that address specific nutritional needs or deficiencies. An advanced degree in chemistry, nutrition, or pharmacy is typically required for this highly specialized role.

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Research Assistant Nutrition

A Research Assistant in nutrition helps conduct studies and experiments related to diet, food science, and human health. This involves collecting and analyzing data, reviewing literature, and sometimes assisting with laboratory work. The "Nutrition Essentials: Vitamins & Minerals" course provides a strong foundational knowledge essential for a Research Assistant in nutrition. It offers detailed understanding of individual vitamins and minerals, their biological functions, deficiency states, and dietary sources. This specific grounding in micronutrients helps a Research Assistant comprehend research protocols, interpret findings related to nutrient intake and health outcomes, and contribute meaningfully to studies on dietary interventions. An advanced degree is typically required or in progress for this role.

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Health Content Creator

A Health Content Creator develops engaging and informative material like blog posts, videos, social media updates, or podcasts, on health and wellness topics for online audiences. This role requires accuracy and the ability to simplify complex information. The "Nutrition Essentials: Vitamins & Minerals" course is highly beneficial for a Health Content Creator focused on nutrition. It offers a comprehensive and precise understanding of individual vitamins and minerals, their functions, deficiency impacts, and natural food sources. This detailed knowledge, coupled with the course's balanced approach to nutrition and supplementation, empowers a content creator to produce credible, educational, and engaging content that addresses common health concerns related to diet and micronutrient intake.

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Health Educator

A Health Educator designs and implements programs to teach communities and individuals about health practices, disease prevention, and healthy lifestyles. This role involves creating educational materials, leading workshops, and acting as a resource for reliable health information. The "Nutrition Essentials: Vitamins & Minerals" course is highly relevant for a Health Educator, providing specific, detailed content about the body's essential nutrients. Armed with knowledge about the functions of individual vitamins and minerals, their natural food sources, and the consequences of deficiencies, a Health Educator can develop impactful lessons and advise on dietary improvements, directly addressing the course's goals of promoting a balanced approach to health and nutrition.

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Medical Writer

A Medical Writer produces clear, accurate, and concise scientific and medical documents for various audiences, including healthcare professionals, patients, or the general public. This can include research papers, educational materials, or health-related articles. The "Nutrition Essentials: Vitamins & Minerals" course provides an excellent knowledge base for a Medical Writer specializing in health and nutrition. It offers detailed information on individual vitamins and minerals, their functions, deficiency symptoms, and the scientific context around supplementation. This specific and comprehensive understanding allows a Medical Writer to create precise and credible content that differentiates between nutrients and explains their impact on health, aligning perfectly with the course's emphasis on distinguishing these substances.

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Wellness Coach

A Wellness Coach works with individuals to achieve holistic well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional health. This often involves guiding clients on exercise, stress management, and critically, nutrition. For a Wellness Coach, the "Nutrition Essentials: Vitamins & Minerals" course may be useful, especially in the dietary aspect of client guidance. It helps build a foundational understanding of how specific vitamins and minerals contribute to overall health and vitality, addressing concerns like energy levels and immune support. The course's focus on balanced nutrition and identifying nutrient-rich foods can help a Wellness Coach provide credible, basic dietary insights as part of a broader wellness plan.

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Public Health Specialist

A Public Health Specialist works to improve the health and well-being of entire populations, often addressing widespread health issues through policy, education, and community programs. Nutrition is a critical focus for public health initiatives, especially in preventing chronic diseases. The "Nutrition Essentials: Vitamins & Minerals" course helps build a foundational understanding of how critical micronutrients impact population health, including the prevalence and consequences of common deficiencies. For a Public Health Specialist, this knowledge about specific vitamins and minerals, their dietary sources, and the balanced approach to nutrition discussed in the course, may be useful in designing and advocating for public health strategies aimed at improving community dietary intake and overall vitality. An advanced degree is typically required for this profession.

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Food Scientist

A Food Scientist applies scientific principles to the study of food, focusing on its composition, processing, safety, and nutritional value. This professional might work in product development, quality control, or research within the food industry. For a Food Scientist, the "Nutrition Essentials: Vitamins & Minerals" course helps build a foundational understanding of the micronutrient content and physiological roles of various vitamins and minerals. This knowledge is essential when developing fortified foods, analyzing the nutritional impact of processing methods, or ensuring food products meet specific dietary requirements. Understanding the exact vitamin and mineral makeup of common whole foods, as covered in the course, is directly applicable to this field. An advanced degree is often beneficial for this profession.

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Food Policy Analyst

A Food Policy Analyst researches and evaluates government policies and regulations related to food production, distribution, safety, and nutrition. This role involves understanding the societal impact of food systems and advocating for changes that improve public health outcomes. For a Food Policy Analyst, the "Nutrition Essentials: Vitamins & Minerals" course may be useful. It helps build a foundational understanding of essential micronutrients, their role in public health, and the prevalence of deficiencies in populations. This knowledge about specific vitamins and minerals, their natural sources, and the importance of a balanced diet can help in assessing the nutritional adequacy of food supplies, evaluating fortification programs, or contributing to policies aimed at improving community health and vitality. An advanced degree is typically required for this profession.

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Product Developer Food Industry

A Product Developer in the food industry researches, develops, and refines new food and beverage products, from concept to commercialization. This often involves ensuring products are appealing, safe, and sometimes nutritionally enhanced or targeted. For a Product Developer, the "Nutrition Essentials: Vitamins & Minerals" course may be useful. It helps build a practical understanding of how specific vitamins and minerals contribute to health and where they are found in natural foods. This knowledge can inform decisions about ingredient selection, nutrient fortification, and marketing claims for products aimed at promoting health and vitality, such as those addressing common deficiencies like iron or B vitamins.

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Recipe Developer

A Recipe Developer creates and tests new food recipes for cookbooks, magazines, restaurants, or food brands, often focusing on specific dietary needs or culinary trends. For a Recipe Developer aiming to create health-conscious or nutritionally rich dishes, the "Nutrition Essentials: Vitamins & Minerals" course may be useful. It helps build a detailed understanding of the vitamin and mineral content of various whole foods. This knowledge enables a Recipe Developer to consciously choose ingredients that maximize essential nutrients, address common deficiencies, and contribute to a balanced diet, directly supporting the course's objective of knowing what foods to eat for a well-rounded and balanced diet.

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Personal Trainer

A Personal Trainer guides and motivates clients to achieve fitness goals through exercise programming and often, complementary lifestyle advice, including basic nutrition. While not dietitians, many Personal Trainers offer general dietary guidance. For a Personal Trainer, the "Nutrition Essentials: Vitamins & Minerals" course may be useful. It helps build a foundational understanding of how specific vitamins and minerals impact bodily functions crucial for exercise, such as energy metabolism, muscle health, and recovery. Knowledge of deficiencies like potassium for cramps or iron for energy can help a Personal Trainer provide more informed general advice on balanced eating and nutrient-rich foods, enhancing client vitality.

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