Micronutrient Types, Deficiencies, Benefits, And Food Sources

By Author: Divyansh Suman
Total Articles: 30
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We shall discuss micronutrient types, advantages, and deficits in this section. The distinction between macronutrients and micronutrients will also be covered. So read on for more information on micronutrients in the blog!
How Do Micronutrients Occur?
The term "micronutrients" refers to the dietary components that, about macronutrients, our body needs in smaller proportions. However, this does not mean these things are unnecessary because they are few.
Micronutrients must be received through food because the body cannot synthesise them. Nevertheless, they are essential for numerous physiological activities, including energy creation, bone repair, immunity, and brain function.
What Kinds Of Micronutrients Are There?
Two general categories can be used to group the micronutrient list:
1. Vitamins
Vitamins are necessary organic substances that perform several functions in our bodies' immune systems, metabolism, and general health. Vitamins with micronutrients can be separated into:

A) Vitamins Soluble In Water
These are the vitamins that dissolve in water with ease. ...
... Among these are vitamins B and C, commonly known as ascorbic acid. In addition to supporting immunological response and collagen formation, vitamin C helps heal lesions on the skin.
Water-soluble vitamins need to be taken daily, unlike fat-soluble vitamins, which your body may store and use for several days.

B) B-Vitamin Complex
These comprise various B vitamins, including thiamine (B1), pantothenic acid (B5), niacin (B3), and riboflavin (B2).
B6 (the vitamin B complex)

C) Vitamins Soluble In Fat
These are vital nutrients that are dissolved in fat and kept in the body's fatty tissues. These vitamins, which include A, D, E, and K, must be absorbed by a diet that includes fat.
Vitamin A: Essential for strong immunity, good skin, and eyesight.
Vitamin D: Necessary for osteoporosis prevention and calcium absorption.
Vitamin E, an antioxidant, helps to stop cell death.
Vitamin K: Essential for Bone Metabolism and Blood Clotting
2. Earthly Minerals
Minerals are inorganic elements that support vital functions such as oxygen transport, nerve signal transmission, fluid balance, and substantial bone maintenance. Two further categories exist for minerals:

A) Principal Minerals

Calcium: Required for strong bones and teeth.

Potassium: Essential for muscles and the neurological system.

Magnesium: Promotes bone health, energy production, and the health of muscles and nerves.

B) Mineral Traces

Iron: Required for the production of haemoglobin and red blood cells.

Zinc: Essential for DNA synthesis, wound healing, and immunological response.

Iodine: Necessary for thyroid hormone production, which regulates metabolism.
What Makes Micronutrients Crucial?
Every micronutrient is distinct and has a particular function. Within the body, they are not interchangeable. Here are a few noteworthy instances of micronutrients:
Vitamin A: Necessary for immunity and eye health
Vitamin C: Promotes collagen synthesis and promotes wound healing.
Vitamin D: This is necessary for strong bones and calcium absorption.
Iron: Necessary for the flow of oxygen and the synthesis of red blood cells.
Iodine: Necessary for healthy thyroid operation.
Recognising Micronutrient Insufficiency
Micronutrient deficiencies are a global problem that affects many countries due to poor eating habits and a lack of nutrient-dense dietary options.
The phrase "hidden hunger" refers to malnutrition deficits, which indicate that starvation persists even when there is an adequate food supply. Typical micronutrient deficits include the following:

Iodine insufficiency: Low immunity and increased susceptibility to infections are symptoms of iodine insufficiency. Goitre disease is also caused by it. Consuming salt high in iodine will stop this issue.

Vitamin A Deficiency: Night blindness results from a vitamin A deficiency. High frequencies of infection, particularly measles and diarrhoea, can be used to identify it. Dark-coloured foods, including sweet potatoes, spinach, rajma, and others, are believed to help correct this deficit.

Iron Deficiency: Iron deficiency frequently causes anaemia, which lowers immunity and makes you weary. Weakness, headaches, and dizziness are some more symptoms. This can be decreased by including iron-rich foods, such as tofu, beans, tomatoes, corn, etc.
The Final Say
Although our bodies only need a few micronutrients, they have a significant impact. They boost our metabolism, guard against various deficits, boost immunity and enhance general health. We can maintain our quality of life and physical fitness by including micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals
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