[Article source on HEALTHLINE by Atli Arnarson, PhD on June 15, 2017] Animal foods and plant foods have many differences. This is especially true for their nutritional value, as many nutrients are specific to either plants or animal foods . For optimal nutrition, it makes sense to follow a balanced diet that includes both. This article lists 10 common nutrients that are difficult or impossible to get from animal foods. source 1. Vitamin C Vitamin C is the only essential vitamin not found in useful amounts in cooked animal foods. It is a powerful antioxidant that is important for the maintenance of connective tissue. It also functions as a co-factor for many enzymes in the body. Additionally, vitamin C deficiency may cause scurvy, a condition initially characterized by spotty skin and fatigue. Advanced scurvy can cause yellow skin, loss of teeth, bleeding and eventually death. A diet of only animal foods usually doesn't contain enough vitamin C. For this reaso...