Pritpal

Role of micronutrients in diet Micronutrients are a group of nutrients that your body needs in every condition, otherwise, your body will be deprived of them. They mostly comprise your vitamins and minerals. They are necessary for normal body functioning and development. Vitamins are vital for energy production, immune system, helps in blood clotting, and some other functions. Minerals, on the other hand, play a significant role in growth, bone health, fluid balancing, and several other processes. Macronutrients are different they comprise carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Micronutrients are not produced by the body so they must be taken from outside in form of food and supplements. 2 Components of micronutrients: Vitamins are organic in nature produced by plants and animals and must be consumed by the human body to fulfill the body requirements. Minerals are inorganic in nature and cannot be broken down while vitamins can be broken down by heat, acid, or air. Role of vitamins in diet: Vitamins are of two types. One is water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins. Let us discuss the role of some micronutrients in diet which will help you to understand their significance. Water-soluble vitamins: Vitamin B1: It helps the body to change carbohydrates into energy Vitamin B12: It helps to keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy and also aids in making DNA and genetic material in all cells of the body. Vitamin B3: This vitamin helps to convert food into glucose which can be used later. Vitamin C: It helps to protect cells and help to keep them healthy, maintain healthy skin, blood vessels, blood vessels, bone, and cartilage. Fat-soluble vitamins: Vitamin A: It helps to form healthy skin, mucus membrane, skeletal and soft tissues. Vitamin D: It aids to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus Vitamin K: It helps to make certain proteins which is necessary for blood clotting and building bones. Vitamin E: It acts as an antioxidant, protects cells from damage which is caused by free radicals. Role of minerals in diet: Two types of minerals significantly play an important role in our body. One is trace minerals, other is macrominerals. Macrominerals: Macrominerals as the name indicate are required in large amounts by our body to perform their specific role. Some important macrominerals comprise sulfur, potassium, chlorine and some are given as follows: Calcium: It is vital for the normal functioning of bones and teeth inside the human body. It also helps in muscle functioning and blood vessel contraction. Phosphorus: It forms an important part of bones and teeth. Magnesium: It acts as a cofactor of enzymes that regulate diverse biochemical reactions in the body Trace minerals: Some important trace minerals in the human body comprise fluoride, zinc, iodine, copper, manganese, and iron. Iron: It is a very essential element of your blood as it helps to maintain normal levels of oxygen. Manganese: it activates many enzymes in metabolism and plays a key role in various chemical processes. Copper: It works with iron which helps the body to form RBCs. All the aforementioned minerals and vitamins are necessary for normal body function and development. If these micronutrients are not present in required amounts, they deprive a person of normal growth and development.