What are micronutrients?

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by Samuel

Created on: September 20, 2008

Micronutrients are nutrients (vitamins, minerals, etc) needed in small amounts by both plants and animals for normal function.

There are basically micronutrients for plants and micronutrients for animals, and even though these nutrients are needed in small amounts, a deficiency of anyone can lead to diseases or ill-health.

For humans, micronutrients are uniquely "credited" for helping the brain function properly, by providing brain strength or brain power.

HUMAN MICRONUTRIENTS

Vitamins, minerals like iron, iodine, etc. all make up micronutrients needed by humans. Protein, carbohydrate, etc. are macronutrients and are needed in large amounts.

Anemia, a disease, that has to do with deficiency or low red blood cells, leading to low vitality, is normally attributed to iron deficiency.

Early blindness in children is normally attributed to vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that prevents night blindness, and inflammation of the eye organs.

How does the body use or need micronutrients in small amounts?

Food sources of micronutrients are normally taken in large quantities because they contain some macronutrients like carbohydrate and protein. However, these food sources normally have small amounts of nutrients referred to as micronutrients.

In cases where vegetables and fruits which have major amounts of micronutrients are consumed, the body breaks them down and distributes in small amounts to the various parts. There is no synthesis of these nutrients; that means the body doesn't produce them, and for this reason, these nutrients are always in small amounts in the body which is the standard for the body to function properly.

PLANT MICRONUTRIENTS

Plant micronutrients mainly include molybdenum, copper, zinc, boron, manganese, cobalt, chromium, etc.

Cracking in stems are normally attributed to boron deficiency.

Yellow leaves are normally attributed to copper deficiency.

Brown coloration on leaves is normally attributed to zinc deficiency.

Molybdenum deficiency may lead to stunted growth in plants.

Chlorosis in plants may be attributed to manganese deficiency.

MICRONUTRIENTS FOOD SOURCES

Nuts and seeds (peanuts, coconut), vegetables, potato, fruits

REFERENCES / SOURCES

http://herselfshoustongarden.com/2008/03/mirc ronutrients-needed-by-your-plants.html

en.wikipedia.o rg/wiki/Micronutrient