Vitamins & Minerals Vitamins and minerals are called micronutrients because the body needs them in smaller amounts than carbohydrate, protein, and fat. Vitamins and minerals do not provide energy (calories), but they help to release energy from carbohydrates, protein, and fat. To date, there are 13 essential vitamins: vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and 8 B vitamins. Vitamins play many important roles in your body, such as maintaining healthy eyes and skin, acting as antioxidants to protect your cells from damage, and contributing to healthy reproduction & growth, strong bones, and normal blood clotting. Different vitamins are found in foods from grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and meats/beans. By eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods from the 5 food groups, you will have a vitamin-rich diet. There are 16 essential minerals: calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, a...