The Importance Of Micronutrients

In my post on macronutrients, I mentioned that there are micronutrients as well and that together macronutrients and micronutrients make up the nutrition that our bodies need. Even though we need both, micronutrients are needed in smaller amounts as compared to macronutrients.

Our micronutrients are going to be:

Vitamins

Minerals

In my opinion, macronutrients are talked about more rather than micronutrients. Additionally, this may be the opinion of others also. Micronutrients have important roles in the human body; micronutrients are important in energy production and metabolism.

What if I tell you that a deficiency of micronutrients can lead to horrible consequences like poor growth, makes you prone to infections and can lead to death.

Some are:

Scurvy - Results from a deficiency of Vitamin C.

Rickets -Results from a deficiency of Vitamin D [4].

Night blindness - Results from a deficiency of Vitamin A.

Pernicious anemia - Results from a deficiency of Vitamin B 12.

MINERALS

The Earth naturally contains minerals and these minerals can be found in the soil. We and other living organisms cannot make the minerals that we need in order to be healthy so how do we get these minerals? Plants obtain minerals from the soil through their roots. On the other hand, animals obtain their mineral requirement from eating plants and from eating other animals that have eaten plants. Humans source of minerals are from the plants and animals we use as foods. So it can be concluded that we and other living organisms are dependent on the Earth and each other for minerals.

Did you know that there are other sources of minerals? We can also obtain minerals from water, coconut water, other beverages, and supplements.

Some minerals that we require are: calcium magnesium sulfur iodine chromium sodium copper silicon

selenium

Also, due to illness the absorption and transportation of micronutrients may disrupt, our metabolic requirements may increase and micronutrient loss may occur.

Parasitic infections can cause micronutrient loss. For example, the parasitic hookworm feeds on the blood of humans. This loss of blood can lead to iron-deficiency anemia due to iron loss. This parasite can cause diarrhea also and zinc loss can result through diarrhea

⇒ Psychologically demanding situations

Psychologically demanding situation can lead to increased micronutrient requirements [5].

- Physical activities such as exercise - The body uses more energy during physical activities and as a result can lead to a shortage of micronutrients like B vitamins, vitamin C, zinc, iron, etc. If we use micronutrients supplements during these activities then we can boost our energy production and increase our energy levels.

- Menstruation - Blood is lost as a result of menstruation and as a result, there is an increased risk of iron-deficiency anemia due to blood loss. Supplementing with iron can compensate for this loss especially for persons who have a much heavier menstrual flow.

- Defense against pathogens - Supplementing with vitamin C or zinc may reduce the duration and severity of common