The regulation of digestion, absorption and metabolism.
The development of normal vision, bone and external body coverings such as fur and feathers.
The regulation of body glands.
Formation of new cells.
The protection against disease and infection.
The development and maintenance of the nervous system.
They are all classified on the basis of solubility. Fat Soluble means that they can be stored and accumulated in the liver, fatty tissues and other parts of the body. There are limited amounts stored these are A, D, E, and K.
Water Soluble means that the body cannot stored them so they are passed out when used. These are vitamins B and C.
Guinea pigs are among a minority of animals who must obtain Vitamin C in order for their digestive system to function properly.

         Vitamin C otherwise known as Ascorbic Acid can be found in a number of foods such as carrots, tomatoes, oranges, celery, strawberries, mango and apple. It is required for the synthesis of collagen, it strengthens the walls of vessels, helps scar tissue to form and helps bone growth. It is also needed for the metabolism of amino acids, helps to strengthen the infection resistance and aids the absorption of iron. If an animal especially a guinea pig is deficient in this vitamin then a problem called Scurvy could occur or another known as Atrophy. To find out more about these illnesses look on the problem page.

         Vitamin A can be found in cereals such as wheat, oats and barley, carrots and green vegetables. It is required by the body to help vision, night and day, to maintain the cornea. It also helps the growth of bone and teeth, the synthesis and regulation of hormones and helps growth and reproduction.

         There are several types of Vitamin B. The most important are: -
Vitamin B1 also know as Thiamine, which helps break down carbohydrates, and can be found in whole grains, peas and beans.
Vitamin B2 also known as Riboflavin aids the control of oxidation (a chemical reaction which occurs when a substance is combined with oxygen), and reduction (a chemical reaction by which oxygen is removed from a substance). It can be found in leafy vegetables such as cabbage and spinach. 
Vitamin B12 aids the production of proteins; it is a co-enzyme, which helps, in biological reactions. It aids normal growth, reproduction and blood formation. It can be found in fish oils.

         Vitamin D is produced by the skin, providing sunlight is present. It is required to raise the levels of phosphorous and calcium in the blood. This is done by increasing the amount of absorption in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), by taking calcium from the bones and stimulating the kidney retention. When deficient in this vitamin the body may suffer from Rickets. To find out more about this illness look on the problem page.

         Vitamin E can be found in green vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds. It aids the reproductive system to control the normal gestation of the young, fertility, and to help the animal produce successfully. The main problem this can cause if an animal is deficient in this vitamin is Muscular Dystrophy. To find out more about this illness look on the problem page.

         Vitamin K is needed for the maintenance of blood coagulation, so when the animal is injured and bleeding it helps the blood to clot and form a scab. It can be found in green vegetables such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli. There is no known name for the disease or illness, it is known as Vitamin K Deficiency. To find out more about this illness look on the problem page.

Minerals

         Minerals are required for body structure, fluid balance and enzyme metabolism.
There are several types of minerals required by the body.

These are as follows: -

         Calcium (Ca) helps build healthy bones and teeth, it also helps with the function of normal muscle contraction and relaxation, the clotting of blood, and aids the function of nerves. It can be found in most grains and cereals. Young animals can also obtain this by suckling from their mothers. When deficient in this it can cause an illness known as Osteoporosis. To find out more about this illness look on the problem page.
 
         Copper (Cu) helps bone formation and helps to produce haemoglobin.

         Iron (Fe) helps to form white blood cells, which are needed to fight infection and helps to heal the body. If the body does not have enough iron it may cause an illness known as Anaemia. To find out more about this illness look on the problem page. It can also cause a weakness to infection. This can be found in nuts, dried fruit and green vegetables.

         Magnesium (Mg) is needed the same way as Calcium, to keep teeth and bones strong and is also required for protein building, the transmission of nerve impulses and can be found in green vegetables, nuts and legumes.

         Phosphorous (Ph) helps build bones and aids the formation of Phospholipids (a type of lipid, which makes up a membrane). It is also required in energy transfer in cells and it can be found in fruit and vegetables.

         Potassium (K) is needed to help reaction such as the production of protein, fluid maintenance, cell support, the transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contraction. When deficient in this mineral is can cause dehydration, and can cause weakness of the muscles, paralysis and then confusion. It can also lead to death. It can be acquired from foods such as fruit, legumes, grain and vegetables.

         Sodium (Na) is needed to maintain the normal fluid balance of cells and controls the balance of acid in the body. It is also critically required for the transmission of nerve impulses. When deficient in this mineral it can cause muscle pain, mental apathy and an appetite loss.

Carbohydrates

         Carbohydrates contain Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen. Animals are able to convert carbohydrates into energy that is required for the following: -

Bodily functions such as breathing, digestion and exercise.
The production of heat to keep warm.
A source of fat.
They help maintain the glucose levels within the body.
Aid gut mobility.
They are made up of Sugars, Starches and Crude Fibres and can be found in fruit sugars, cereals and root vegetables.