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Micronutrients are nutrients such as vitamins and minerals required by organisms in varying quantities throughout life to orchestrate a range of physiological functions to maintain health. [1] [2] The following is a list of micronutrients used by various living organisms. For human-specific nutrients, see Mineral (nutrient).
Nutrients can be incorporated into cells for metabolic purposes or excreted by cells to create non-cellular structures such as hair, scales, feathers, or exoskeletons. Some nutrients can be metabolically converted into smaller molecules in the process of releasing energy such as for carbohydrates , lipids , proteins and fermentation products ...
A balanced diet includes appropriate amounts of all essential and non-essential nutrients. These can vary by age, weight, sex, physical activity levels, and more. A lack of just one essential nutrient can cause bodily harm, just as an overabundance can cause toxicity.
Vitamins and minerals are essential to the proper functioning and maintenance of the human body. [113] There are 20 trace elements and minerals that are essential in small quantities to body function and overall human health. [113] Iron deficiency is the most common inadequate nutrient worldwide, affecting approximately 2 billion people. [114]
Granulated sugar provides energy in the form of calories, but has no other nutritional value. In human nutrition, empty calories are those calories found in foods and beverages (including alcohol) [1] composed primarily or solely of calorie-rich macronutrients such as sugars and fats, but little or no micronutrients, fibre, or protein.
Phytochemicals are generally regarded as research compounds rather than essential nutrients because proof of their possible health effects has not been established yet. [4] [5] Phytochemicals under research can be classified into major categories, such as carotenoids [6] and polyphenols, which include phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes or ...
Most human plant-based food calories come from maize, rice, and wheat. [12] Plants can be processed into bread, pasta, cereals, juices and jams, or raw ingredients such as sugar, herbs, spices and oils can be extracted. [13] Oilseeds are often pressed to produce rich oils: sunflower, flaxseed, rapeseed (including canola oil) and sesame. [14]
A bioactive compound is a compound that has an effect on a living organism, tissue or cell, usually demonstrated by basic research in vitro or in vivo in the laboratory. While dietary nutrients are essential to life, bioactive compounds have not been proved to be essential – as the body can function without them – or because their actions are obscured by nutrients fulfilling the function.