Transcript Micronutrients

Micronutrients
Term to Know
Vitamins
Because vitamins and minerals
are nutrients needed in tiny
amounts, they are known as
micronutrients.
Vitamins don’t contain calories, so
they don’t provide energy.
Micronutrients
that help control
body processes
and help your
body release
energy to do work.
Micronutrients
Vitamins are classified in two ways:
• Fat-soluble vitamins (including A, D, E, and K)
can be stored in the body.
• Water-soluble vitamins (including C and B
complex) are not stored in your body.
Micronutrients
Term to Know
Antioxidant
Some vitamins and minerals
exhibit antioxidant properties.
They protect cells from injury and
reduce the risk of cancer, heart
disease, and premature aging.
Substances that
protect body cells,
including those of
the immune
system, from
damage.
Micronutrients
Term to Know
Minerals
Minerals such as calcium,
potassium, sodium, and iron,
help your body function.
Like vitamins, minerals do not contain
calories or supply your body with
energy.
Substances that
the body cannot
manufacture but
that are needed
for forming
healthy bones and
teeth and for
regulating many
vital body
processes.
Micronutrients
Calcium, potassium, and sodium are minerals
that are classified as electrolytes.
Electrolytes help maintain normal heart
rhythm and control the body’s fluid balance.
Water
Drinking water is essential for these reasons:
• It regulates body temperature.
• It carries nutrients to cells.
• It aids in digestion and elimination.
• It is key to many bodily chemical reactions.
Phytonutrients
Term to Know
Phytonutrients
A simple plant-based food may
contain several hundred
phytonutrients. Includes beta
carotene and lutein.
Health-promoting
substances found
in plant foods.
Dietary Supplements
Term to Know
Vitamins and minerals are
available in dietary supplement
form.
Dietary
supplement
A nonfood form of
one or more
nutrients.
Food Sources for Vitamins and
Minerals:
• Vitamin B12 – fortified milk, eggs, fortified
breakfast cereals, sardines, salmon
• Calcium – dairy products, leafy vegetables,
canned fish with soft edible bones
• Vitamin C – citrus fruits, cantaloupe, tomatoes
• Vitamin D – milk, cheese, spinach, eggs, beef
liver
• Iron – meat, shellfish, legumes, peanuts, dried
fruit, liver