Making sure that your diet is rich in vitamins and minerals is one of the keys to having good health. Not only are they essential in preventing deficiency-related diseases such as rickets and scurvy, but they also have been shown to help with a number of common ailments that trouble millions of people today, such as headaches, fatigue and skin problems.

While a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins remains the best way to absorb these "building blocks" of the body, it's not always easy to obtain the right amounts each day. Supplements containing the following vitamins and minerals, then, can help ensure that your body receives the nutrition it needs to protect against these common ailments:

1. Vitamin C - colds
   Vitamin C tends to fly off the shelves during cold and flu season, but does it really work? Medical experts have shown that individuals who experience extreme physical stress such as marathon runners are 50% more likely to resist catching the common cold if they take vitamin C supplements, but everyday users experience less protection. Still, vitamin C is known to promote healing, which may explain why cold suffers who take vitamin C are less likely to experience more serious infections such as pneumonia. 
2. Zinc - skin problems
   Zinc can be found in a number of products designed to treat various skin problems because it promotes healing and reduces the amount of oil that your skin produces. It is most commonly used to treat acne, though its healing properties are also effective in reducing the length of cold sore infections. While zinc can be applied topically as a cream, doctors also prescribe supplements of about 30-60 mg. a day for acne patients. Everyday users can find zinc in one-a-day supplements and in many different skin care products.
3. Magnesium - hangovers
   No one enjoys the debilitating effects of a hangover, but since there are hundreds of remedies that claim to work, finding one that actually does poses a problem. Some vitamins and minerals, however, have been shown to help prevent and reduce hangover symptoms when taken before and after a night of drinking. Magnesium, for instance, helps sooth muscle cramps and headaches. Moreover, excessive alcohol consumption reduces the amount of magnesium in your body, which explains why replacing it with supplements can improve the way you feel.
4. Vitamin D - weight loss
   Vitamin D deficiencies persist in spite of the fact that the body produces it naturally when exposed to direct sunlight. Sunscreen and a life spent mostly indoors, however, have made obtaining vitamin D an issue even for those who live in sunny climates. Unfortunately, a link has been found between low vitamin D levels and body fat. A study of teenagers between the ages of 14-19, for instance, showed that those with the lowest amounts of vitamin D had the highest percentage of body fat. More importantly, they also had higher levels of visceral fat, which is more likely to cause illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. Although taking vitamin D is no substitute for exercise and healthy eating, it may assist in weight loss.
5. Calcium - indigestion
   Most people know that calcium plays an essential role in maintaining strong bones, but few realize that it also helps relieve common digestive ailments. Acid indigestion, for instance, has prompted Americans to spend over $14 billion a year on acid reducing medications. One of the most aggravating of these conditions is acid reflux, which occurs when the valve separating the stomach from the esophagus becomes weakened. Calcium helps by strengthening this valve and can also reduce diarrhea caused by gastrointestinal inflammation. Calcium supplements come in many forms, however, your pharmacy technician can help you choose the right one for your needs.

Although vitamins and minerals can help with these ailments, it's best to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing chronic or severe symptoms since these may indicate a serious medical problem. Also, some vitamins and minerals react to certain medications and can be toxic in high doses, which is why consulting a doctor remains important even when it comes to over-the-counter supplements.

James Severin is a freelance writer interested in health, fitness and environmental issues.