Micronutrient …Are we nutrient deficient?
Nutrient deficiency includes digestion problems, skin disorders, stunted growth and even dementia. This happens when our body does not absorb enough nutrients from food.
Nutrients are required by the body for proper functioning. They maintain our brain, skin, bones, muscles, nerves, etc. Some nutrients are required in higher amounts and are known as macronutrients, while a few are required in smaller amounts and are known as micronutrients.
Since our body cannot produce vitamins and minerals, they are taken externally from different food products. The micronutrient content for every food is different; therefore, it is advisable to eat varieties of food for enough vitamin and mineral consumption.
Why are macronutrients important to the body?
These macronutrients help the body make hormones. They also act as solvents for hormones and essential fat-soluble vitamins. Fats have the highest caloric content of any macronutrient, which is why they provide the most substantial amount of energy (nine calories per gram).
Micronutrients are the elements required by us in small quantities.
Iron, cobalt, chromium, iodine, copper, zinc, molybdenum are some of the micronutrients.
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Thank you?.....Deficiency of any of the nutrients affects growth and development.
Micronutrients in plants are beneficial for balanced nutrition of crops. These support all the biological functions of a plant.
Their deficiency leads to stunted growth, cirrhosis, necrosis, delayed maturity, and senescence
The micronutrients in plants bind actively to the soil particles and are highly soluble under acidic conditions
These micronutrients help in preventing and fighting certain diseases. However, they should be taken in adequate quantities: excess intake or inadequate intake results in several disorders such as visual impairment, mental retardation, etc.
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Micronutrients, i.e. Vitamins and minerals can be divided into the following types:
Water-Soluble Vitamins
Most of the vitamins can be dissolved in water. They are difficult to store in the body and get flushed out in urine when consumed in large quantities. They play an important role in producing energy. Since they are not stored in the body, it is important to take them enough from different food sources.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
These vitamins do not dissolve in water. These are stored in the liver and fatty tissues for future use. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are important fat-soluble vitamins. They play a major role in the proper functioning of the immune system, proper bone development, proper vision, and protection of cells from damage.
Macro minerals
These are required in higher amounts as compared to the trace minerals. The important macro minerals and their functions include:
Calcium-?For the proper structure and function of bones.
Phosphorus?– Cell membrane structure
Magnesium-?Enzyme reactions
Sodium-?Fluid balance and maintenance of blood pressure
Chloride-?Maintains fluid balance and formation of digestive juices.
Potassium-?Nerve impulse transmission and muscle function.
Sulphur-?present in all the living tissues
Trace Minerals
These are required in very small amounts, but perform various important functions in our body. Iron, manganese, copper, zinc, iodine, fluoride, and selenium are some of the important trace minerals required by the body.
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What are micronutrients?
Micronutrients are the groups of nutrients required by our body in small amounts. These include vitamins and minerals which are essential for growth and energy production in our body.
What are the micronutrients required by the plants?
The micronutrients required by the plants include boron, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum, calcium, zinc, nickel and chloride.
What is the difference between macronutrients and micronutrients?
Macronutrients are the nutrients required by our body in large amounts. Examples include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, antioxidants, fibre, and water. On the contrary, micronutrients are the nutrients required by our body in small amounts. Vitamins and minerals are considered micronutrients.
What are the different types of micronutrients required by our body?
The different types of micronutrients required by our body include water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins, trace minerals, and macro minerals.
What are some of the micronutrient deficiencies?
Micronutrient deficiencies are caused by the lack of vitamins and minerals in the body. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiency. The deficiencies of zinc and vitamin A affect the growth and the immunity of a person.
What is the function of iron in our body?
Iron helps in the production of blood in our body. About 70% of the iron in our body is found in red blood cells and muscle cells.
Micronutrient Deficiencies
Common micronutrient deficiencies found in humans are:
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Deficiency Disease
Micronutrient
Anemia
Iron deficiency
Goiter, mental retardation
Iodine deficiency
Rickets, bone loss, muscle weakness
Vitamin D deficiency
Megaloblastic anemia, impaired brain function
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Osteoporosis
Calcium deficiency
Impaired vision, blindness
Vitamin A deficiency
Muscle cramps, fatigue
Magnesium deficiency
Micronutrients are the elements required by us in small quantities.
Iron, cobalt, chromium, iodine, copper, zinc, molybdenum are some of the micronutrients.
Deficiency of any of the nutrients affects growth and development.
Micronutrients in plants are beneficial for balanced nutrition of crops. These support all the biological functions of a plant.
Their deficiency leads to stunted growth, chlorosis, necrosis, delayed maturity, and senescence
The micronutrients in plants bind actively to the soil particles and are highly soluble under acidic condition.
Micronutrients vs. Macronutrients: What’s the Difference?
All the food we eat contains macronutrients and micronutrients. Here's what these terms mean and why they matter to your health.
What are macronutrients?
Macronutrients are fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and water. Our bodies need these nutrients in larger quantities. Aside from water, every macronutrient provides energy that helps the body to:
Grow new cells and tissues.
Conduct nerve impulses that allow us to sense and interact with our environment.
Develop and repair new tissues.
Regulate vital bodily processes, like fueling muscles, regulating the central nervous system, creating enzymes, eliminating waste, and much more.
Here’s how each macronutrient helps your body thrive:
Carbohydrates
Carbs are the body’s primary source of energy. In addition to providing immediate fuel, carbohydrates form the majority of stored energy reserves in our body.
For instance, glucose is used as fuel for the brain and is stored in the liver as glycogen. Carbohydrates also play a role in fat oxidation.
Fats
These macronutrients help the body make hormones. They also act as solvents for hormones and essential fat-soluble vitamins.
Fats have the highest caloric content of any macronutrient, which is why they provide the most substantial amount of energy (nine calories per gram). That means fats are twice as energy-rich as carbohydrates and proteins. Excess fat is stored in adipose tissue, which is burned when the body runs out of carbohydrates.
Proteins
When you eat something with protein, it gives your body essential amino acids. This macronutrient is also crucial for cellular structure, including the membrane. Like carbohydrates, proteins provide four calories per gram.
In cases of extreme nutrient depletion, the muscles in the body can be used to provide energy. This is an emergency survival response known as muscle atrophy or muscle wasting.
Water
Water is the main component of our body fluids and this macronutrient:
Lubricates and distributes nutrients to cells
Eliminates waste through urine
Regulates internal body temperature
Creates an ionic balance of the blood
Plays a key role in the body’s metabolism, which is one of the many reasons it’s so critical to stay hydrated.
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Managing Director at DAYALIZE
2 年In light of their vitality to physiological homeostasis, a deficiency in any one of the micronutrients causes a wide variety of negative side effects. Iodine deficiencies cause goiters, iron deficiency causes anemia and vitamin B12 deficiencies can cause a wide variety of neurological defects,... To maintain your brain, muscle, bone, nerves, skin, blood circulation, and immune system, your body requires a steady supply of many different raw materials—both macronutrients and micronutrients. You need large amounts of macronutrients—proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. And while you only need a small number of micronutrients—vitamins and minerals—failing to get even those small quantities virtually guarantees disease.
Helping individuals and groups resolve conflicts through assisted conversations.
2 年Lots of valuable information. How do you know if you are lacking in certain nutrients?
Managing Director at DAYALIZE
2 年Micronutrients in Plants There are seven essential micronutrients in plants.? Deficiency of boron results in reduced seed and grain production. Boron deficiencies generally occur during drought periods. Zinc deficiency may cause slower maturity and reduction in the size of the leaf. Zinc deficiencies often occur during the cold, wet spring season. Manganese is essential for photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism. Premature leaf drop and delayed maturity are the symptoms of manganese deficiency. Manganese is abundant in wet soils. Iron is essential for energy transfer, nitrogen reduction, and fixation. Iron, along with sulfur, acts as a catalyst in the formation of other reactions. Copper is essential for proper photosynthesis, grain production and to the strengthening of a cell wall. Yellow leaves are the symptoms of copper deficiency. There will not be enough copper in many soils. Molybdenum is responsible for pollen formation. Reduced fruit or grain growth are the symptoms of Molybdenum deficiency. Sandy soils in the humid region are the places where zinc deficiencies are found. Chlorine is the nutrient which helps in osmosis and ionic balance. It also plays a key role in the process of photosynthesis.