Micronutrients are mainly of two types. They are vitamins and minerals. Each micronutrient has a specific role to play in the body.
In this article, we mention types of micronutrients required by the body.
How many types of micronutrients are there?
There are two types – Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins
Vitamins are a type of micronutrients. Their intake is less but still have importance in the body.
Vitamins based on their soluble nature again classified into two types namely water soluble and fat soluble vitamins.
Importance and intake of these vitamins differ from one age group to other. For example, some vitamins are required in high amounts for pregnant and lactating women, requirement of some vitamins is high for teenagers, some vitamins in high amounts for menopause and old age etc.
Minerals again categorized into macro minerals and micro minerals or trace elements.
Some of the minerals they assist enzymes and speed up the reactions. Some directly involve in some processes like iron help in synthesis of blood pigment hemoglobin which carry oxygen to heart.
Minerals are also important for growth, synthesis of some essential hormones, and maintain nervous system.
It is the role played by each micronutrient that differentiate from each other. They can act individually or in combination based on body requirement. They have a predominant place in body maintenance irrespective of quantity in which they are required.
In this article, we mention types of micronutrients required by the body.
How many types of micronutrients are there?
There are two types – Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins
Vitamins are a type of micronutrients. Their intake is less but still have importance in the body.
Vitamins based on their soluble nature again classified into two types namely water soluble and fat soluble vitamins.
- Water soluble vitamins - they dissolve in water and transport to different parts of body. These vitamins cannot be stored in the body for long time and they will pass away whenever water is washed out from the body or go along with urine.
- Vitamin B is not a single vitamin, it is complex of vitamins that include
- Thiamine(B1)
- Riboflavin(B2)
- Niacin(B3)
- Pantothenic acid(B5)
- Pyridoxine(B6)
- Biotin(B7)
- Folic acid
- Cyanocobalamin(B12)
Vitamin C is available in ascorbic acid form.
- Fat soluble vitamins – These vitamins are soluble in fats and they can be stored in the body. They include Vitamin A,D, E and K.
Most of the fat soluble vitamins have anti oxidant property which has role in protecting cells from damage.
Importance and intake of these vitamins differ from one age group to other. For example, some vitamins are required in high amounts for pregnant and lactating women, requirement of some vitamins is high for teenagers, some vitamins in high amounts for menopause and old age etc.
Minerals
Minerals belong to a class of micronutrients. Their requirement is very less to the body but importance is inevitable.
Minerals belong to a class of micronutrients. Their requirement is very less to the body but importance is inevitable.
Minerals again categorized into macro minerals and micro minerals or trace elements.
- Macro minerals – Magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, chlorine, phosphate and sulfur.
- Micro or trace minerals – Iron, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium, chromium, boron, cobalt, fluoride, molybdenum, iodine.
Each mineral has a key role in maintaining normal body functions. They have a major role in different metabolisms that synthesize proteins, fats, carbohydrates etc.
Some of the minerals they assist enzymes and speed up the reactions. Some directly involve in some processes like iron help in synthesis of blood pigment hemoglobin which carry oxygen to heart.
Minerals are also important for growth, synthesis of some essential hormones, and maintain nervous system.
It is the role played by each micronutrient that differentiate from each other. They can act individually or in combination based on body requirement. They have a predominant place in body maintenance irrespective of quantity in which they are required.
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