Micronutrients are essential for our bodies, even though we only need them in small amounts. They play important roles in normal growth and functioning of the body. Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals.
Vitamins are essential for our bodies, as we cannot produce them on our own or only produce them in insufficient amounts. Therefore, we must obtain them from food. Vitamins are categorized into water-soluble vitamins (such as vitamin C and B-complex vitamins) and fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamin A, D, E, and K).
Minerals are also crucial for the smooth functioning of many metabolic processes. They include major elements like calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, as well as trace elements like iron, iodine, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium, chromium, cobalt, fluorine, nickel, and molybdenum.
It’s important to note that it is generally recommended to obtain micronutrients through the consumption of nutritious fruits and vegetables rather than relying solely on vitamin supplements.
When considering supplementing micronutrients, here are some recommendations:
- Dietary diversity: Obtain different micronutrients by consuming a variety of foods.
- Avoid restrictive diets: Avoiding restrictive diets ensures that you get an adequate intake of micronutrients.
- Consider specific needs: For example, pregnant women may need more folic acid and iron, while older adults may need more vitamin D and calcium.
