Nutrients, explained:

Various species in captivity commonly run into a single nutrient problem. Dart frogs are notorious for short tongue syndrome from a vitamin A deficiency. Many reptiles get metabolic bone disease from inadequate calcium and UVB lighting.

Understanding individual nutrients as they relate to your pet is crucial for the advance hobbyist. Here  nutrients of critical importance to reptiles and amphibians are explained scientifically. 

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Protein

Protein comes easily and simply to carnivores and insectivores, but can be a challenge to other reptiles. Having the correct amount of protein and the correct amino acid balance is critical. 
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Fiber

An important nutrient in any reptile that eats plant matter. Fiber is surprisingly critical for immune and digestive health. 
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Calcium,  Vitamin D and Phosphorus

Likely the most common nutritional issue in reptiles is a calcium or vitamin D deficiency. It is very easy to have a low calcium diet and it is very easy for overlook proper UVB lighting. Excess phosphorus can also block calcium and cause a calcium deficiency. 
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Vitamin A

An issue in all reptiles and amphibians, but is often much more critical in frogs as "short tongue syndrome" causes frogs not to be able to catch their food. 

Vitamin B1 (thiamin)

Thiaminase is a common enzyme in fish and aquatic crustaceans. This enzyme destroys thiamin and can cause critical deficiencies.

Vitamin C

Most animals do not require vitamin C. Additionally, it is very common in fruit and vegetables. This makes an interesting case study in comparing human nutrition to animal nutrition. 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant, needed to process rancid fats, which can come from dietary sources or from an excess of fats in the body. It is critical in carnivorous and insectivorous reptiles as well as obese animals. 

Iodine

Most sources of iodine in the modern food supply come from fish and supplemented table salt. Considering these are not typical reptile foods iodine deficiencies can creep up on reptiles. Goitrogens, found in many greens, can also inhibit iodine uptake. 

Copper and Zinc

An often overlooked nutrient balance. Many domestic plants are high in copper and low in zinc. This can cause a critical zinc deficiency as copper can block its absorbance.