Micronutrients

Nutrients that have critical roles within the body but can be consumed in small amounts to support normal growth and development are vitamins and minerals.

Vitamins come from food sources like fruit. Minerals come from food sources like vegetables. Both vitamins (fruits) and minerals (vegetables) have a critical role in the body and should be consumed regularly to maintain optimal body function.


Vitamins

Organic compounds that come in the form of fruit. They promote cell function, growth, and development. The body does not produce enough of these vitamins by itself, so they must be consumed in one’s diet. Often, if people don’t feel as they should, they may have a vitamin deficiency, which can impact energy levels, appetite, strength, endurance, and mood. There are two kinds of vitamins: fat-soluble & water-soluble. Fatty tissue absorbs fat-soluble vitamins in the body. These vitamins are stored in fat in the body (see the list of fat-soluble vitamins below). Water-soluble vitamins are absorbed with water and cannot be stored in the body. See a list & daily intake amounts at: https://dietfithealth.com/pages/nutrtion-facts


Minerals

Come from the environment, from the soil and water a plant takes up as vegetables. These vegetables come from nature and support bone development and growth, as well as muscle, heart, and brain function. There are macro minerals and trace minerals, and each mineral plays a different role in the body. Macro minerals need to be consumed in large amounts, whereas trace minerals can be consumed in small amounts. See a list and daily intake amounts at: https://dietfithealth.com/pages/nutrtion-facts

 

Antioxidants

Neutralize free radicals that are unstable molecules that damage cells and can lead to negative health complications. They protect the body's cells from free radicals that can be consumed by drugs like tobacco, alcohol and air pollution. Antioxidants can be found in vitamins and minerals.

Food sources are:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Legumes
  • Whole Grains
  • Herbs and spices

 Sources

  • International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). ISSA Curriculum Materials. Retrieved from https://www.issaonline.com