Nutrition is the science of food, how the body digests food, and how the body uses food for growth, maintenance, repair and reproduction of living tissues. Every individual cell within the human body needs a regular supply of appropriate nutrients to maintain correct function.
Macronutrients
Macronutrients are protein, fat and carbohydrate and are required in high quantities by the body. They are major sources of energy; in addition, fats and proteins provide essential fatty acids and amino acids respectively.
Micronutrients
Micronutrients are only required in very small amounts daily (milligram or microgram amounts). However, micronutrients are vitally important to the successful functioning of the body.
Example of micronutrients include:
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Vitamins - There are 4 fat soluble vitamins – A, D, E and K and 9 water soluble vitamins – B vitamins and vitamin C. They have a range of functions in the body, for example vitamins A, C and D each contribute to the normal function of the immune system and vitamins B6 and B12 contribute to normal psychological function.
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Minerals – Examples include calcium and magnesium, which are needed for the maintenance of normal bones and teeth, and iron which contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
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Trace elements and minerals that are required in very small quantities. Examples include copper, iodine, fluorine, manganese, magnesium, chromium and selenium.
There is an extremely wide range of vitamin and mineral products available in pharmacy today. Those that deliver only one vitamin or mineral, combinations of several, or those known as multi-vitamins which contain a range of vitamins and minerals and are designed to support the varying needs of different sectors of the population.
For thew vast majority, a well-balanced and healthy diet should contain adequate nutrition to support good health.
