Multivitamins/Minerals

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A dietary supplement containing all or most of the vitamins and some minerals which may not be readily available in the diet. The vitamin component may be classified according to their solubility either in lipids (vitamins A, D, E, K, F) or in water (vitamins C, B- complex). Present in minute amounts in various foods, vitamins are essential to maintaining normal metabolism and biochemical functions. The mineral component contains essential microelements and metals such as iron, magnesium, chromium and iodine. In addition, these agents may include various anti-oxidant phytochemicals such as flavonoids. (NCI04)