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Micronutrients definitions Flashcards

Micronutrients definitions
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  • Micronutrients
    Nutrients required in small amounts that support physiological functions but do not provide energy.
  • Vitamins
    Organic compounds with carbon, essential for various cellular functions, and classified by solubility.
  • Minerals
    Inorganic chemical elements from the periodic table, crucial for body structure and regulation.
  • Water-Soluble Vitamins
    B and C group nutrients not stored in the body; excess amounts are excreted in urine.
  • Fat-Soluble Vitamins
    A, D, E, and K group nutrients stored in body tissues; excessive intake may cause toxicity.
  • Major Minerals
    Inorganic elements needed in amounts greater than 100 mg per day, such as calcium and sodium.
  • Trace Minerals
    Inorganic elements required in amounts less than 100 mg per day, including iron and iodine.
  • Antioxidants
    Molecules that protect cells from damage, commonly found in certain vitamins like C and E.
  • Enzyme
    Protein that accelerates chemical reactions in cells, often requiring vitamins or minerals to function.
  • Supplementation
    Use of products like multivitamins to provide nutrients, sometimes necessary in cases of deficiency.
  • Varied Diet
    Eating a wide range of foods to naturally obtain essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Hypervitaminosis A
    Toxic condition resulting from excessive intake of vitamin A, potentially causing serious health issues.
  • Cellular Ion Balance
    Regulation of charged particles inside and outside cells, maintained by minerals like sodium.
  • Signaling Molecules
    Substances, such as certain vitamins, that direct physiological processes like nutrient absorption.