Ever wondered about the tiny but mighty substances that keep our bodies running smoothly? That's right, we’re talking about micronutrients. Despite their need in only minute amounts, their role in supporting normal growth and development cannot be overstated.
Types of Micronutrients and Their Significance
Micronutrients can be broadly classified into two categories, vitamins and minerals.
Vitamins
These are essential organic compounds that our bodies need for various metabolic processes but cannot synthesize in sufficient amounts. They play a crucial role in cell function, immunity, and overall good health.
Around 13 vitamins are known to be required for human health, according to the scientific community. They can all be attributed to performing one or more functions in the body, including repairing tissues, strengthening the immune system, maintaining healthy skin, blood, and the nervous system, protecting the body against cellular changes that lead to disease, and processing food into energy.
Each of the 13 vitamins shares the same characteristics: They are required by the body for it to function optimally, and the body either cannot produce them, or cannot produce them in the quantities required.
Thus, we must obtain these nutrients from the food we eat. Yet, vitamin deficiency is a significant problem worldwide, affecting millions of people at any given time.
Minerals
Like vitamins, minerals play a pivotal role too. They are inorganic substances, and components of our body's tissues and fluids that help the body carry out different functions, including heartbeat regularization and oxygen transport.
There are a total of 16 main minerals that we require in our diets. In addition to making our bones and teeth strong, they also help the body in converting food into energy, regulating the acid-alkaline balance, and playing a role in muscle contraction, blood clotting, hormone production, and cell creation.
Once incorporated into the body, most minerals are mainly deposited in our bones and teeth, and observe a constant cycle of breaking down and rebuilding.
Two minerals that don't follow this pattern are sodium and potassium, due to their role in maintaining fluid balance in the body. It is quite rare for us to be deficient in using minerals on a regular basis.
Minerals in organic food are absorbed easily into the body through the little pockets in the cells present outside the food canal, while minerals in non-organic foods need to pass through the little pockets in the cells lining the food canal before they can be absorbed.
The latter, in some cases, can remain in the food canal when they cannot be absorbed, leading to their elimination, along with the associated body fluids.
The Impact of Micronutrients on Health
Micronutrients impact our health and well-being in multiple ways:
Chronic Disease Prevention
Micronutrients play a pivotal role in combating disease. Evidence suggests they can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Brain Functions and Mental Health
Right from cognition to neurotransmission, micronutrients are essential for optimal brain function. Plus, studies have shown that the right mix of micronutrients can positively affect mental health.
Micronutrient Deficiency and its Consequences
Inadequate micronutrient intake can lead to deficiencies, often bringing about severe health problems, from anemia and goiter to impaired growth and cognitive development. Usually, a deficiency results from a lack of exposure to the specific micronutrient through the food we eat.
However, it could also be a result of certain diseases, medications, or excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine. Once we are deficient in vitamins and minerals, it can be the cause of many diseases like cancer, osteoporosis, disease of the eyes and blood, heart ailments, and many more. Chronic micronutrient deficiencies can lead to long-term negative effects.
For instance, a prolonged deficiency in thiamine results in brain damage, due to which around 25% of patients with thiamine deficiency can fall prey to minor mental disorders, and 5% are most likely to suffer severe brain damage.
If the deficiency is not treated quickly, there are also chances of death. However, if a deficiency is detected in its early stages, and appropriate treatment is given quickly through the right kind of foods, and other vitamin supplements if required, the consequences can generally be reversed completely.
Importance of a Balanced Nutrient-Rich Diet
Achieving a good micronutrient balance in the diet is key to ensuring we are getting the right quantity and diversity of these essential nutrients.
Learning to gauge the daily requirements of micronutrients, and adhering to them by planning what we eat,
Foods Rich in Micronutrients
Whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy are rich in several essential vitamins and minerals.
Supplements and Micronutrient Bioavailability
When whole foods are not sufficient to meet our micronutrient needs, supplements can help bridge the gap. However, one must remember that bioavailability—the body's effectiveness in absorbing nutrients—varies across food types and supplements.
Rounding Out Your Micronutrition
Upshot? The importance of micronutrients to health is indubitable. They are beneficial in maintaining good health and well-being. A combination of a varied and balanced diet with fortified foods and supplements can help achieve optimal micronutrient status.
You get most of the micronutrients you need from your daily diet. But it never hurts to be extra sure that you get everything you need.
Check out Health Quest 365's Organic Greens 365 and Organic Reds 365! It's a superfood powder that makes sure you get your daily micronutrients each day.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the most common micronutrient deficiencies?
Iron, vitamin A, iodine, and zinc are among the most common micronutrient deficiencies.
2. Can micronutrients help in losing weight?
Some micronutrients can aid in weight management by supporting metabolic processes and energy production.
3. Can I rely solely on supplements for my micronutrient needs?
It's best to seek most nutrients from whole foods first. Supplementary intake should ideally be on a healthcare provider's recommendation.
4. How do I know if I have micronutrient deficiencies?
Healthcare providers can diagnose micronutrient deficiencies through symptoms or blood tests.
5. Can I overdose on micronutrients?
Yes, especially from supplements. Overdosing can lead to toxicity, causing various health problems.