Vegetarian diets must be carefully planned to assure that the essential amino acids are consumed in sufficient quantities. Vitamins are organic substances that are essential to the functioning of the human body. Although vitamins do not contain energy that the body uses, vitamins are key substances that are needed for various processes. All of these vitamins play important role in the healthy functioning of the body. Vitamin supplementation is sometimes required to assure sufficient vitamins are being obtained.
Minerals are inorganic substances that also perform important functions.
These include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chloride and magnesium and many trace minerals including iron, zinc, chromium etc. Each of the minerals is a key ingredient in the functioning of the body. Most adults need about 10 glasses of water a day to supply their needs. As can be seen, food supplies the necessary ingredients to operate the most complex machine known to man, the human body. This is the basic food pyramid and although scientists continue to study nutritional requirements, this food standard provides an excellent starting point for dietary design.