Human Nutrition: Micronutrients

Human Nutrition

By Naomi Keddy

What are micronutrients?

Micronutrients are the nutrients that are required in small amounts in the body and they are vitamins, minerals and water.

What are vitamins?

Vitamins are complex carbon-based substances that cannot be made in the body. They are only needed in very small amounts. Vitamins are divided into two groups fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins that are soluble in fats but insoluble in water. Fat soluble vitamins are stored in body fat and can build up to toxic level, it too many vitamin supplements are taken. Water-soluble vitamins are vitamins that are  soluble in water but insoluble in fat. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body therefore must eaten everyday. An example of a water-soluble vitamin is vitamin C ( absorbic acid) The metabolic role vitamin C, forms connective tissue, good for bones and teeth, helps healing and the immune system. The lack of Vitamin C may cause deficiencies such as scruvy. bad teeth and gums. Sources of vitamin C is fruit and vegetables. Vitamin D is an example of a fat-soluble. The metabolic role of vitamin D help absorbs calcium for bones and teeth. The lack of vitamin D may cause deficiencies such as rickets in chidren, and osteomalacia in adults. the sources of vitamin D is liver, fish oils, milk and sunlight.

Fig.1 Rickets

What are minerals?

Minerals elements are required in very small amounts. Minerals are essential for good health. There are many minerals in food, but the main minerals that most people seem to be lacking in is calcium and iron. Calcium is a mineral that is made for the human bones and teeth, it makes the harder and stronger. A good source of calcium comes from milk, cheese, yoghurt and hard water. Calcium links in with Vitamin D, Vitamin D helps absorb calcium. The lack of Calcium in the diet may cause deficiencies such as rickets and osteoporosis. Iron is a mineral that is necessary for the formation haemoglobin of red blood cells, which are used to transport oxygen throughout the body. A good source of iron comes from offal, red meat and green vegetables. The lack of iron in the diet may cause the deficiency of anaemia. Anaemia is caused by the lack of iron in the diet.  

Fig.2 Red blood cells that lack Iron

What is water?

Water is a compound of the elements hydrogen and oxygen. The properties of is colourless, odourless and tasteless. Boiling point is at 100ｰc and freezing point is at 0ｰc. Water is essential for life. About 70% of the body is made up of water. The body loses about two liltres of water a day.  A good source of water is a tap or fruit and vegetables. Water is essential for part of all body tissues, major parts of all body fluids, for metabolic reactions to take place and good for transporting important substances. Chemical reactions that water is needed for are photosynthesis, respiration and digestion. Water is a good solvent which allows chemical reactions to take place.

Fig.3 Water