Micronutrients might not get as much attention as carbs or protein, but they’re super important for keeping us healthy. We only need them in tiny amounts, but they help our body with a lot of big things. These little nutrients support vision, strengthen our immune system, help muscles contract, keep our bones strong, carry out antioxidant activities, help blood clot when needed, extract energy from our food, and even help enzymes do their job.
The good news? You can find micronutrients in all kinds of foods. So, if you’re eating a balanced diet with a mix of different food groups, you’re likely covering your bases. Both macronutrients (like proteins, carbs, and fats) and micronutrients are essential for daily life, and lacking in either one can lead to health issues over time.
Micronutrients include a bunch of different vitamins and minerals, each with its own job:
- Water-Soluble Vitamins: These are vitamins like C, B1, B2, and B3. They don’t stick around in the body long, so we need a steady supply of them.
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins: These are vitamins A, D, E, and K. Our body stores these in fat tissues, releasing them when needed.
- Minerals: Important ones include potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, iron, and zinc, each supporting different body functions.
- Trace Elements: We only need these in tiny amounts, but they’re essential, too—like copper, selenium, iodine, and chromium.
Even though we don’t need large doses of micronutrients, they still have to make it through the digestive process to start working, which isn’t always easy. And it’s also possible to get too much of a good thing. Overdoing certain vitamins or minerals can actually harm your health. So if you’re low on something, it’s best to talk to a healthcare provider who can recommend the right dose.
Using an app like Macroai can make it easier to keep an eye on your nutrient intake. You just log your foods, and Macroai gives you a rundown of the macros and micros, helping you make sure you’re getting what you need without overdoing it.
Bottom line? Micronutrients may be small, but they play a huge role in keeping you healthy. Balancing them along with macronutrients can keep your body strong and support everything from your immune system to your bones.
By Elías DaSilva | 21 de octubre de 2024.