Micronutrients

The term micronutrients is used to describe vitamins and minerals in general. Macronutrients, on the other hand, include proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Micronutrients are compounds that are only required in minimal amounts which aid in the growth, development, and maintenance of the body. They are just as important as macronutrients. However, their impacts on a body’s health are critical, and deficiency in any of them can cause severe and even life-threatening conditions.

Humans must obtain micronutrients from food since human body cannot produce vitamins and minerals — for the most part. They’re also referred to as essential nutrients. There are four main kinds of micronutrients that are important to human diet: water-soluble vitamin, fat-soluble vitamins, microminerals, trace minerals

They perform a range of functions, including enabling the body to produce enzymes, hormones and other substances needed for normal growth and development. Five micronutrients—vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc—play roles in maintaining immune function, and supplements containing them are often sold as immune boosters in doses that greatly exceed the recommended daily allowance.

Micronutrient deficiencies can have devastating consequences. At least half of children worldwide younger than 5 years of age suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Deficiencies in iron, vitamin A and iodine are the most common around the world, particularly in children and pregnant women.

Vitamins are necessary for energy production, immune function, blood clotting and other functions. Meanwhile, minerals play an important role in growth, bone health, fluid balance and several other processes.
Micronutrients