Micronutrients are a group of essential nutrients that the body requires in small amounts to maintain good health. Unlike macronutrients, such as carbohydrates, protein, and fat, which the body needs in larger quantities, micronutrients are only required in trace amounts, typically less than 100mg per day.
There are two main categories of micronutrients: vitamins and minerals. Each of these categories includes several different nutrients that perform different functions in the body.
Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for various bodily functions, including energy production, immune function, and cell growth and repair. There are two types of vitamins: fat-soluble and water-soluble.
Fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E, and K. They are stored in the body’s fatty tissue and liver, and excess amounts can build up over time, leading to toxicity. Water-soluble vitamins, such as B vitamins and vitamin C, are not stored in the body, so excess amounts are excreted in the urine.
Minerals, on the other hand, are inorganic substances that the body needs for various functions, including building strong bones and teeth, regulating fluid balance, and transmitting nerve impulses. Some essential minerals include calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
Micronutrient deficiencies can lead to a range of health problems. For example, a deficiency in vitamin C can lead to scurvy, a disease characterized by bleeding gums, bruising, and fatigue. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, a condition in which the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body.
Fortunately, many micronutrients are found in a wide variety of foods, so it’s easy to get enough of these nutrients through your diet. For example, fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals. Animal products, such as meat and dairy, are also good sources of certain micronutrients, such as vitamin B12 and calcium.
However, some people may have difficulty getting enough micronutrients through their diet alone. For example, vegetarians and vegans may have difficulty getting enough vitamin B12, which is primarily found in animal products, although fortified plant milks can make up the difference. Supplements can be useful to ensure adequate intake of essential micronutrients.
Micronutrients are essential nutrients that the body requires in small amounts to maintain good health. There are two main categories of micronutrients: vitamins and minerals. Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to a range of health problems, so it’s important to get enough of these nutrients through your diet or supplementation. By including a variety of nutrient-dense foods in your diet, you can ensure that you’re getting enough micronutrients to support your overall health and well-being.
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