Micronutrients
What is micronutrients?
A chemical element or substance required in trace amounts for the normal
growth and development of living organisms. Eg. Vitamins and mineral
What are micronutrients?
Type of food required in large amount in the diet & it required in large
amount for production of energy and normal activity of the living cell eg.
Carbohydrates, lipid and protein
What is vitamins?
Organic compound that need in small quantity. Two types
of vitamin: fat & water soluble. Each vitamin has a distinct
role in our body
What is minerals?
Naturally occurring substances that have a specific chemical
composition, crystal structure, and physical [Link]
essential minerals include:Calcium, phosphorus, potassium,
sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, zinc, and iodine.
VITAMINS
• Vitamins are classified by their biological and chemical activity.
• 13 vitamins are divided into two groups according to suitability.
Classification-
ROLE OF VITAMINS IN HEALTH AND WELLNESS
• Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that play important roles in maintaining a healthy body.
• They are required in small amounts, but their absence or deficiency can lead to various health problems.
1. Vitamin A= maintaining healthy skin and eyesight, supports the immune [Link] in sweet potatoes,
carrots, and spinach.
2. Vitamin D= promotes the absorption of calcium, important for healthy bones and [Link] in fortified milk,
fish, and eggs.
3. Vitamin E= acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage. Found in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils
4. Vitamin K= helps with blood clotting and bone health. Found in leafy green vegetables, and some vegetable oils.
5. B complex vitamins= help in energy metabolism, and support the nervous [Link] in whole grains, meat,
and dairy products.
6. Minerals= maintaining healthy bodily functions
7. Calcium= essential for healthy bones and teeth, and for muscle and nerve function. Found in dairy products,
leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods
Minerals
• Minerals are also important for making enzymes and
hormones. There are two kinds of minerals: macrominerals and
trace minerals.
1. What is the main source of minerals?
Minerals are found in foods like cereals, bread, meat, fish, milk, dairy, nuts, fruit and vegetables.
2. What are the causes of mineral deficiency?
• May be a poor diet, impaired uptake of the minerals that are consumed, or a dysfunction in the
organism's use of the mineral after it is absorbed.
• These deficiencies can result in many disorders including anemia and goitre. Examples of
mineral deficiency include, zinc deficiency, iron deficiency, and magnesium deficiency.
Here are some examples of how minerals help with health:-
Calcium: Helps build strong bones and teeth, regulates heartbeat, and ensures blood clots
normally.
Iron: Helps the body make red blood cells to carry oxygen.
Potassium: Helps the body control fluid balance and keeps the heart healthy.
Copper: Helps form red blood cells, metabolize iron, and keep blood vessels, nerves, immune
Role of Iron in Human Body
• Iron is a mineral that plays many important roles in the human body, including:
Hemoglobin production: Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries
oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues.
Muscle and organ function: Iron is important for healthy muscles and bone marrow, and contributes to
organ function.
Immune system: Iron is vital for a fully functioning immune system.
Blood cell production: Iron is needed to make new blood cells, replacing those lost through blood donations.
Metabolism: Iron is a component of some proteins and enzymes that contribute to enzymatic reactions in
energy production.
DNA and amino acid synthesis: Iron contributes to the synthesis of DNA and amino acids
Iron deficiency Anemia
• A condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the
body's tissues.
Symptoms:
• Headache, dizziness or lightheadedness, Inflammation or soreness of your tongue, Unusual cravings for
non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt or starch.
Risk factors:
Women- women at greater risk of iron deficiency anemia.
Infants and children. Infants, who don't get enough iron from breast milk or formula may be at risk of iron
deficiency.
Vegetarians- People who don't eat meat may have a greater risk of iron deficiency anemia if they don't eat
other iron-rich foods.
Frequent blood donors- People who routinely donate blood may have an increased risk of iron deficiency
anemia since blood donation can deplete iron stores.
Prevention:
Iron rich food includes, Red meat, pork and polutry, Sea food, Beans, Drak green leafy vegetables, Dried fruits,
Iron-Fortified cereals , breads, and peas.
