Vitamins vs Minerals: What Is the Difference?
Vitamins and minerals are both nutrients needed in small amounts, but they are different kinds of substances. Here is what the health sources say, and where they overlap.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Evidence labels used on this page: established nutritional role, mixed, insufficient evidence, Proper evidence not found.
What each one is
- Vitamins. MedlinePlus lists 13 vitamins the body needs: vitamin A, the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, B6, B12 and folate), and vitamins C, D, E and K. [4] They are grouped by how they dissolve: A, D, E and K are fat-soluble, and vitamin C plus the B vitamins are water-soluble. [5] The body can also make vitamins D and K. [4] The full list is on What Is a Vitamin?.
- Minerals. MedlinePlus says there are two kinds: macrominerals (it names calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and sulfur) and trace minerals (it names iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride and selenium). [6] See Understanding Minerals and the Minerals overview.
Differences the sources document
| Feature | Vitamins | Minerals |
|---|---|---|
| What they are | Organic substances [2] | Elements found in the earth and in foods [3] |
| Groups | Fat-soluble and water-soluble [5] | Macrominerals and trace minerals [6] |
| Storage | Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver, fatty tissue and muscles; water-soluble vitamins are generally not stored, with B12 an exception [5] | The pages read for this guide give no single storage rule. See Understanding Minerals |
| Typical source | A varied diet supplies most of them [4] | Most people get what they need from a wide variety of foods [6] |
What they have in common
Both usually come from food, and both can cause problems in excess. MedlinePlus says high doses of certain vitamins can be toxic. [5] The Merck Manual says both macrominerals and trace minerals are harmful if too much is ingested, and warns that megadoses of mineral supplements without medical supervision may be toxic. [7] Neither group is harmless just because it is a nutrient.Some mineral rules are specific to health conditions. MedlinePlus gives the example that people with chronic kidney disease need to limit foods high in potassium. [6]
Which is more important?
Proper evidence not found. We looked for a source that ranks vitamins against minerals and found none. They do different jobs, and a shortage of either can matter. This guide does not rank them.Frequently asked questions
Is a vitamin the same as a mineral?
No. Vitamins are described as organic substances, while minerals are described as elements from the earth. [2][3]
How many vitamins and minerals does the body need?
MedlinePlus lists 13 vitamins. [4] It names seven macrominerals and eight trace minerals. [6]
Can I get enough of both from food?
The sources say most people can get what they need from a varied diet, though some people are advised to take specific supplements. [4][6][1]
Are minerals safer than vitamins in supplements?
Proper evidence not found for that comparison. Sources say too much of either can be harmful. [5][7]
Should I take both a vitamin and a mineral supplement?
That depends on your diet, health and medicines. Ask a clinician or pharmacist, and see Do I need a supplement? [8]
More details: evidence, limits and cautions
The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.
Safety and who should ask first
- Supplements can interact with medicines and affect people with certain medical problems or going to have surgery. [8] Read How medication interactions work.
- Many supplements have not been tested in pregnant women, nursing mothers or children. [8]
- People with kidney disease, or who take medicines that change mineral levels, should ask a clinician or pharmacist before adding any mineral or vitamin product. [6]
- Product quality varies; see Quality testing and certifications.
- Intake references (RDA, AI, UL) are explained at RDA, AI, DV and UL.
References
- NHS (UK), Vitamins and minerals. Page last reviewed 3 August 2020. Read 2026-10-23.
- Merck Manual Consumer Version, Overview of Vitamins. Full review Jun 2026. Read 2026-10-23.
- National Institute on Aging (US), Vitamins and Minerals for Older Adults. Read 2026-10-23.
- MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine), Vitamins. Read 2026-10-23.
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Vitamins. Review date 1/21/2025. Read 2026-10-23.
- MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine), Minerals. Read 2026-10-23.
- Merck Manual Consumer Version, Overview of Minerals. Full review May 2025. Read 2026-10-23.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (US), Using Dietary Supplements Wisely. Read 2026-10-23.