Vitamins and minerals play an important role in maintaining our health. Vitamins are organic substances (made by plants or animals) and minerals are inorganic elements that come from the earth. We absorb vitamins and minerals from the plants we eat and need them to grow and develop healthily. The best way to get the proper amount of nutrients is through a well-balanced diet. Here is a breakdown of the most essential vitamins and minerals, how to identify a deficiency, and a natural diet source.