Nutritional Food Supplements
Vitamins
A vitamin is an organic compound that is required in small amounts to maintain normal metabolic function, although higher doses are often used therapeutically. The nomenaclature of vitamins is a little haphazard merely reflects the order of discovery.
Minerals
Minerals are inorganic elements that are needed by the body. Deficiency is less likely than that for vitamins although many foods are now becoming deficient in specific minerals because of soil composition and depletion.
Bibliography and Recommended Reading
Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements
Michael T. Murray
Prescription for Natural Healing:
A-Z Guide to Supplements
Phyllis Balch and James F. Balch
The Healing Power of vitamins, Minerals & Herbs
Readers Digest
The Doctor's Complete Guide to Vitamins
and Minerals
Mary Dan Eades
The Vitamin Bible
Earl Mindell