It helps maintain the body's natural fluid balance through hormones, enzymes and antibodies. Meats, milk and dairy products are the richest sources of protein, however one can also obtain protein from nuts, beans, whole grains and vegetables. Their job is to make sure other nutrients are digested, absorbed, metabolized or excreted. So, while vitamins do not provide the body with any energy, they are essential in maintaining one's metabolism, growth, and body development. Luckily, the body only requires small amounts of each vitamin, so it is fairly easy to obtain the required amounts through a well balanced diet.
Minerals are inorganic substances which means that they exist in their simplest form.
Thus minerals cannot be broken down or metabolized to produce energy. Minerals have the ability to carry an electrical charge which plays a vital role in the excitability of the muscular and nervous system and helps regulate the body's water and acidic balance. Like vitamins, the body only requires small amounts of most minerals. It is vital to every bodily function. It is involved in digestion, absorption, transportation, circulation, excretion and cell maintenance.