Micro Nutrients:
What they do & why we need them

Vitamins:

Regulate many body functions including metabolism – like spark-plugs in a car, keeping us running at high performance.
Although taken in minute amounts, deficiency in one can endanger the whole human body over a period of time.
Two main types – fat soluble & water soluble: Water soluble cannot be stored by the body & a constant supply is needed.

Regulate a variety of body functions such as controlling the sensitivity & reactivity of nerves and muscles.
Some have a structural role such as calcium and magnesium, giving hardness to bones.
Minerals are inorganic, occurring naturally in non living things such as rocks, water & soil, entering our bodies through the animal & vegetable based foods in our diet.

Technically not a nutrient but absolutely essential to so many everyday bodily functions.
Approximately 60% of the human body is water & up to 80% of our muscles are water. A 3% drop in hydration can cause a 10% decrease in strength.

The fibrous indigestible portion of our diet, essential to health of the digestive system, and which also helps us feel fuller for longer.

The body can only make a few vitamins so it is essential enough come from diet. For minerals, none can be made by the body and all have to come from diet.
Some vitamins are found in certain food groups and not others. Minerals originally come from the soil, and can be obtained from both plant and animal sources.
No single food contains an adequate amount of all the vitamins and minerals individuals require on a daily basis, so it is essential the diet includes a variety of natural foods from different food groups.

Unrefined cereal grains, wholemeal breads, vegetables and some fruits are all good sources
of fibre.