Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals needed by the body in tiny amounts. However, their impact on health is critical, and deficiency in any of them can cause severe and even life-threatening conditions.
There are four main kinds of micronutrients that children should have in their diet:
- Water-soluble vitamins - As the name suggests, these are vitamins that dissolve in water and readily absorbed into tissues for immediate use. Since they are not stored in the body, they need to be replenished regularly in our diet. Two of the main water-soluble vitamins are B vitamins and vitamin C.
- Fat-soluble vitamins - Unlike water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fat, not water. These include vitamins D, K, E, and A. As one receives them, they can stay in the body for later use. The body stores them in fatty tissue and liver. They are important for eye health and immune system support. They also help the body to heal injuries.
- Microminerals: These are essential nutrients. They include calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. They are crucial for muscle and bone health. They also play a role in controlling blood pressure.
- Trace minerals: The other minerals one needs include iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and selenium. Trace minerals are critical for muscle health, nervous system function, and repairing damage to cells.
Contributed by:
BeMe.ai
