Vitamins and minerals. Assorted pills of vitamins and minerals. Vitamins are complex organic substances required in small amounts for normal growth, development and functioning of the body. Most vitamins cannot be made in the body and so are essential components of a healthy diet. There are 13 vitamins A,C,D,E,K and the eight B group vitamins. Minerals are chemical elements that must be present in the diet for maintenance of health. There are at least 20 minerals, some of which are potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Others such as iron, zinc and copper are needed in only tiny amounts, sometimes in a pill supplement.