Vitamins and minerals are essential for humans because of their role in a variety of fundamental metabolic pathways that support basic cellular functions. In particular, their involvement in energy-generating metabolism, DNA synthesis, oxygen transport and neuronal functions makes them critical for brain and muscle function.
These, in turn, affect cognitive and psychological processes, including mental and physical fatigue. This review focuses on the B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8, B9 and B12), vitamin C, iron, magnesium and zinc, which play a recognized role in these outcomes.
