Vitamins help your body grow and function as it should. There are 13 essential vitamins – vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, B6, B12, and folate). Vitamins have different functions to help the body function properly. Some vitamins help you resist infections and keep your veins healthy, while others can help your body get energy from food or help your blood clot properly. Like vitamins, minerals also help your body function. Minerals are elements that our bodies need to function that can be found on Earth and in foods. Some minerals, such as iodine and fluoride, are needed only in very small amounts. Others like calcium, magnesium and potassium are needed in higher amounts.