In addition to the required nutrients, many other nutritional supplements are now available on the supermarket shelf and/or over the internet. Specific foods are no longer the only source of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and essential amino acids. In recent years, all of these essential nutrients have become available as a pill and can be found on almost any supermarket shelf. Inadequate amounts of these important nutrients can lead to illness. For the most part, adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals are obtained by eating a healthy diet.Įssential fatty acids and amino acids are also required by the body and obtained from certain foods. Vitamins and minerals are required in small amounts by all humans for normal growth and development. Vitamins and other nutritional supplements are substances that are either essential for normal body functions or are thought to enhance the body's functioning.