Iron. This mineral helps transfer oxygen to the tissues and is essential in the transfer of nutrients to other parts of the body, as well as red blood cell production. Iron gluconite is also important to the overall health of a person as it helps transfer oxygen into the brain and red blood cells.

Vitamin A. Vitamin A is found in fruits, vegetables, certain dairy products and meats. It can be taken in supplement form, but it is also found in animal tissues, such as milk and eggs. Some research indicates that excessive consumption of vitamin A may lead to cataracts and osteoporosis.

Zinc. This mineral is one of the more abundant minerals in the body. It is found in meats, poultry, fish, wheat germ, nuts and seeds. It is also present in some plants, such as spinach, carrots, cauliflower and broccoli. Although zinc is found in small amounts in some plants and foods, it is not generally toxic and there is no evidence that it causes any harm to humans.

The above list is only a few of the thousands of nutrients that our bodies need. The complete list is incredibly long and would take pages to even begin. The good news is that our basic supplies of essential nutrients are plentiful and our bodies are constantly replenishing them. So, we do not have to worry about overdrawing our bodies' stores of these vital elements. Of course, it is always a good idea to ensure that you are getting the correct balance of vitamins and minerals, both in your diet and in supplements.

In addition to the above-mentioned essential nutrients, your body also needs a host of others, including calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, iodine, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, folic acid and inositol. Some of these vitamins are water-soluble, others are lipid soluble, while still others are both water-soluble and lipid-soluble. You can obtain all of the above from the foods that you eat, although the best sources may vary between individuals. Certain fruits and vegetables, such as orange juice and leafy greens, contain a wide variety of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are not found in other foods. For example, oranges are a great source of vitamin C, but will not provide the amount of vitamin C that an orange will if consumed in other foods.