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Our bodies rely on two types of nutrients to function; macronutrients and micronutrients. While we rely more on the larger quantities of macronutrients to maintain a healthy body, there are vitamins and minerals our bodies require in smaller quantities. These micronutrients are often referred to as trace elements. Micronutrients include minerals such as copper, iodine, zinc, manganese, selenium, zinc, iron, cobalt, and molybdenum. Micronutrients also include vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K. All of these trace elements work in harmony with macronutrients to provide optimum health.

Vitamins are categorized by their solubility. Vitamins C and B are water soluble, as are pantothenic acid and biotin. Water-soluble vitamins need to be replenished by our diet every day because our bodies are unable to store them. Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K can be stored by the body for later use, so it is not always necessary to replenish these vitamins each day.

Even though we only need small amounts of micronutrients, it is possible to become deficient in micronutrients when we fail to eat an adequate diet. A deficiency in iron, for example, can result in iron-deficiency anemia. Zinc is considered one of the most important micronutrients and a deficiency results in an entire list of issues. In countries where poverty and starvation are prevalent, the lack of micronutrients can cause disease and even death.

On the other hand, it is easy to take too much of a micronutrient when supplementing your diet with over-the-counter supplements. Since there is such a small intake requirement for micronutrients, people who eat an adequate diet are usually receiving the right supply of micronutrients. A balanced diet will help most people eliminate the need for over-the-counter supplements. The US Department of Agriculture has recommended nutritional guidelines to teach us how to manage a healthy diet.

It is especially important that pregnant women maintain a diet rich with certain micronutrients to help prevent birth defects and fetal abnormalities. Folic acid is needed during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage, cleft palate, and various other birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant are encouraged to discuss their diet their obstetrician. A prenatal vitamin may be prescribed to help women maintain nutritional needs during pregnancy.

While older adults do not have the same calorie needs due to a decrease in activity, the need for micronutrients remains the same throughout adulthood. Teenagers, however, require higher levels of both macronutrients and micronutrients due to an increased rate of growth and development.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Pemberton.
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