Macronutrients are nutrients that people require in big amounts.
Micronutrients are essential dietary elements required by organisms in varying quantities throughout life to orchestrate a range of physiological functions to maintain health. Micronutrient requirements vary among organisms. Humans and other animals require numerous vitamins and dietary minerals. Plants tend not to require vitamins, but minerals are required still.
HUMAN NUTRITION
For human nutrition, micronutrient requirements are in amounts generally less than 100 milligrams per day, whereas macronutrients are required in gram quantities daily.
Micronutrients can be divided into four groups:
- Water-soluble vitamins: These vitamins dissolve in water and are not stored in the body. They need to be replaced regularly through the diet. The water-soluble vitamins are vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12.
- Fat-soluble vitamins: These vitamins dissolve in fat and are stored in the body. They do not need to be replaced as often as water-soluble vitamins. The fat-soluble vitamins are vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K.
- Macrominerals: These minerals are needed in larger quantities than trace minerals. The macrominerals are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, and sulfur.
- Trace minerals: These minerals are needed in very small quantities. The trace minerals are iron, zinc, copper, iodine, selenium, fluoride, and molybdenum.
Micronutrients are essential for many important bodily functions, including:
- Energy production: Micronutrients are involved in the production of energy from food.
- Growth and development: Micronutrients are essential for growth and development in children and adolescents.
- Immunity: Micronutrients help to keep the immune system strong and protect against infection.
- Vision: Micronutrients are essential for good vision, especially vitamin A.
- Bone health: Micronutrients are important for bone health, especially calcium and vitamin D.
- Blood health: Micronutrients are important for blood health, especially iron and vitamin B12.
- Nervous system function: Micronutrients are important for nervous system function, especially vitamin B12.
Effect of Micronutrient deficiency on health:
- Anemia: Anemia is a condition in which there are not enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. This can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and pale skin.
- Night blindness: Night blindness is a condition in which it is difficult to see in low light. This can be caused by a deficiency in vitamin A.
- Goiter: Goiter is a swelling of the thyroid gland. This can be caused by a deficiency in iodine.
- Rickets: Rickets is a condition in which bones do not develop properly. This can be caused by a deficiency in vitamin D.
- Scurvy: Scurvy is a condition in which the body does not produce enough collagen. This can cause bleeding gums, loose teeth, and bruising.
REQUIRMENTS OF MICRONUTRIENT FOR HEALTH
It is important to get enough micronutrients from your diet. A healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help you meet your micronutrient needs. You may also need to take a multivitamin or mineral supplement if you are at risk of a deficiency.
If you are concerned about your micronutrient intake, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can help you assess your needs and develop a plan to ensure that you are getting enough of the essential nutrients.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates include sugar, starch, and fiber.
Sugars are simple carbohydrates. The body quickly breaks down and absorbs sugars and processed starch. They can provide rapid energy, but they do not leave a person feeling full. They can also cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Frequent sugar spikes increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and its complications.
Fiber is also a carbohydrate. The body breaks down some types of fiber and uses them for energ; others are metabolized by gut bacteria, while other types pass through the body.
Fiber and unprocessed starch are complex carbs. It takes the body some time to break down and absorb complex carbs. After eating fiber,
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