Topic 1 Introduction

  • Micronutrients are necessary in our diet but in lesser quantities than macronutrients.
  • Examples of micronutrients are vitamins, minerals, and trace elements
  • Vitamins are organic compounds that are absorbed in the intestine and cannot be synthesized by the body alone
    • There are two major categories of vitamins depending on their solubility in water.
    • If a vitamin is soluble in water, it is called water-soluble.
  • Minerals are categorized based on recommended daily intake.
    • If >100 milligrams required, called major minerals
    • Otherwise (<100 milligrams), trace elements