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 live a healthful life. The best wayto get the proper amount of nutrients is through a well-balanced diet. Here is a breakdown of the most essential vitamins and minerals; a natural diet source; and how to identify a deficiency, .