People absorb vitamins and minerals from the food they eat. These are the nutrients that a body needs for normal growth and development. Vitamins and minerals play a unique role in maintaining optimal health. Vitamin D, for example, is used by your body to absorb the calcium (a mineral) needed for developing strong bones. The optimal way to get enough vitamins and minerals is to eat a balanced diet. If you canÕt obtain all of the necessary vitamins and nutrition from food, visit a health food store and look into the possibility of taking dietary supplements.