Vitamins are organic substances produced by plants or animals. They often are called "essential" because they are not synthesized in the body (except for vitamin D) and therefore must come from food. Minerals are inorganic elements that originate from rocks, soil, or water.

Vitamins are organic substances that are generally classified as either fat soluble or water soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K) dissolve in fat and tend to accumulate in the body.

Organic—or whole foods—vitamins are readily available in natural, nutritious foods like meats, fish, fruits, and vegetables. These foods can be turned into powder for a more readily available vitamin, but they are still considered "whole foods."