The Structure and Function
of Micronutrients in vivo.
Terri Grassby, Chemistry Department, University of Bristol
What are Micronutrients?
Micronutrients are the vitamins and minerals that are required in microgram quantities by the human body for it to function correctly. All the required micronutrients should be available from a balanced diet, which includes vegetables/fruit, cereals, dairy produce and meat/pulses. Micronutrients must be obtained from food sources as they can't be synthesised by the body, although some may be stored for long periods of time. The abundance of micronutrients can differ significantly from food to food.
The micronutrients featured on this site are:
Vitamin A - Eyesite
Vitamin K - Normal Blood Clotting
Chromium - Stimulates Insulin Action
Copper - Development of connective tissue, nerve coverings and skin pigment
Iodine - Important component of thyroid hormones
Iron - Transportation of oxygen and prevention of anaemia
Manganese - Bone formation and metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrate
Molybdenum - Enzyme enhancing nutrient
Zinc - Protein function and gene expression
Arsenic, Boron, Nickel, Silicon and Vanadium - Thought to be beneficial, but have no specific role identified as yet.
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