MICRONUTRIENTS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

We know that all nutrients are placed in two subgroups: micronutrients and macronutrients. We will now discuss about micronutrients. The dictionary meaning of word micro is minute or small, but here it means that even though they are essential for the body, their requirement is very small.

There are two categories of micronutrients---vitamins and minerals. Here we will be discussing the sources, functions and the effect of the deficiency of these nutrients on the body (if these nutrients are not present in adequate amounts in our diet).

The micronutrients present in foods are vitamins and minerals. The vitamins are classified into fat-soluble and water-soluble. The fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A,D,E and K, while the water soluble ones are vitamins of the B-complex group and vitamin C. They are important in our body for regulating various body processes and they help in normal growth and development. Amongst the minerals, calcium, iron and iodine are important for various functions in the body. As iron and iodine are required in very small quantities, they are also known as trace elements.

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