Explain why a diet that contains sufficient vitamins and minerals is important for maintaining good health. Refer to specific examples in your answer.

WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) — 1.3.1 Diet and nutrition · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients required in small amounts.

Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, preventing scurvy and maintaining healthy skin and gums.

Calcium is required for bone and tooth mineralisation, keeping them strong.

A deficiency of iron reduces haemoglobin production, leading to anaemia, characterised by fatigue and pallor.

Examiner tips

Use the word ‘micronutrients’ to show you know they are needed in small amounts.
Give two different examples, each with a clear function.
Mention a specific deficiency disease for each vitamin/mineral.
Keep the answer concise – 4 points only.

Common mistakes

Using ‘vitamins and minerals are needed in large amounts’ – they are micronutrients.
Giving the same vitamin twice or repeating the same function.
Failing to name a specific deficiency disease for each nutrient.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

Vitamins and minerals are needed in small amounts / are micronutrients
A named vitamin or mineral and its correct function (e.g. vitamin C is needed to prevent scurvy / for healthy skin and gums; calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth; iron is needed to make haemoglobin / red blood cells)
A second named vitamin or mineral with its correct function (different from the example above)
A deficiency (lack) of a named vitamin or mineral leads to a named deficiency disease or health problem (e.g. lack of vitamin C causes scurvy; lack of iron causes anaemia; lack of calcium causes weak/brittle bones)

Key terms in this question

vitamins · minerals