Micronutrients

Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals that are required in small quantities. Our bodies require these small quantities for many different functions, which include growth and development. The main micronutrients are calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, and D.

Micronutrients are important because without the required intake of micronutrients, you are prone to getting micronutrient deficiencies such as Anaemia, caused by lack of iron. You are also prone to Xerophthalmia, a deficiency that includes night blindness and Bitot's spots, which are caused by lack of Vitamin A. About two million people worldwide suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, which is about one-third of the total population.

Calcium, an important micronutrient is needed for many different functions in the body such as, maintaining and strengthening bones, the development of teeth and healthy gums, and is also important for your muscles. It also helps with lowering cholesterol, and helps prevent muscle cramps and helps with normal blood clotting. Calcium provides energy and helps to keep your skin and body healthy. It also keeps lead from being absorbed into your bones. Foods that have calcium are, yogurt, cheese, dairy foods, oats, tofu and many more foods.

Iron deficiency is a big problem in both industrialized and developing countries. Having iron deficiency can lead to long-term disadvantages. Infants and young children have the highest risk of getting iron deficiency because their food choices are limited. Iron plays an important part in producing hemoglobin, and oxygenation of red blood cells and lymphocytes (T-cells, and B-Cells.) Iron also enhances the functions of another Micronutrient; Calcium, and also enhances cooper. Iron is absored in the small intestine and stored in the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and blood. It is also needs to help metabolize vitamin B.

Vitamin A is important for keeping your visual system working correctly, and for growth and development, keeping your immune and reproduction systems healthy. Foods that contain Vitamin A are, Yellow and Red Fruits, Vegetables, and in green leafy vegetables. Another Vitamin, Vitamin C, which is also very important for you, is a water-soluble vitamin and helps in many important metabolic functions. Vitamin C is also an important anti-oxidant. Deficiencies caused by lack of Vitamin C are goiter (Swelling of the Neck) and cretinism (The brain and skeleton fail to develop properly resulting in mental retardation and dwarfism) in the offspring of a deficient mother. Vitamin C can be found in fresh fruit and fruit juices. Vitamin D, another important micronutrient is important for promoting calcium absorption in the gut, and without vitamin D, bones can become thin, misshapen, or brittle. Along with calcium, vitamin D can also protect older adults from osteoporosis. Vitamin D can be found in very few foods, but some foods do include, cheese, beef liver, egg yolks, fish (ex. Salmon) and fish liver oils. You are also to get vitamin D from the sun’s rays.

Even though Micronutrients are required in small quantities, many people still suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. It’s important to try to eat some of the foods that have calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, and D everyday to stay healthy.

Bibliography:
"Cretinism." Xray2000 Nicks Website. 08 May 2009 .

"Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin D." Office of Dietary Supplements - HOME. 08 May 2009 .

"Micronutrients - the Basics." 08 May 2009 .

"Micronutrients." Welcome To Orthomolecular.org. 08 May 2009 .