Iron is a necessary mineral for humans, needed for example to help form red blood cells which transport oxygen around the body. Fortunately there are plenty of good sources available for both the omnivore and the vegetarian or vegan These include liver, meat, beans, nuts, dried fruit , also whole grains and many of dark green leafy vegetables, although some such as spinach also contain substances that prevent the absorption of iron as do caffeine based drinks such as tea and coffee. On the other hand the drinking of fluids containing vitamin C aids the body in its necessary task of absorbing iron.

Magnesium is another mineral which is deemed essential for all biological life. As an essential part of basic nucleic acid, magnesium ions, together with phosphate ions, are also required for over 300 catalytic reactions of enzymes. Any enzymes synthesizing or utilizing adenosine triphosphate require a magnesium ion. Incredulously enough, magnesium deficiency is the most widespread deficiency, affecting a third of the population in the United States only, with third world countries surpassing the count easily. Being also essential, together with calcium and phosphorus, in the skeletal structure, magnesium deficiency is viewed as a main factor in ailments such as osteoporosis. Naturally available through cereals, green leafy vegetables, nuts, spices, tea, cocoa and coffee, magnesium is available as a supplement in magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate form, whereby the latter is viewed as more bioavailable.

Vitamin A is the second Vitamin that was discovered, after Vitamin B. It can be found in several forms, whereby the primary source is the natural retinol derived from animal food sources. Chemically related compounds are called retinoids and are used primarily in medicine and as dietary supplements beta-carotenes. While carotene forms stemming from dietary sources are not toxic, intake of synthetic and natural retinoid forms should be strictly limited. Vitamin A is found naturally in beef, pork, chicken, turkey and fish livers; in the sweet potato, carrot, broccoli leaf, butter, spinach, pumpkin, eggs, papaya, mango, peas, winter squash, apricot, cantaloupe melon and leafy vegetables. Vitamin A is necessary for normal reproductive capabilities, membranes, tissues, skin, eyes, normal tooth and bone development and much more.

Vitamin C is an obvious essential nutrient and a deficiency of this will cause scurvy. It is also an antioxidant and acts as an electron donor for eight different enzymes.