Micronutrients Research Paper

Micronutrients play an extremely important role in a healthy diet and lifestyle. Micronutrients are much different from macronutrients (like carbohydrates, protein and fat) because they are usually only necessary in smaller amounts. Nevertheless, micronutrients are essential for good health, and micronutrient deficiencies can cause serious health problems. Micronutrients include such dietary minerals as iron, vitamin d, zinc and iodine, and they are necessary for the healthy functioning of all your body's systems, from bone growth to brain function. In my own personal diet, I discovered I am deficient in Iron and Vitamin D. Every living cell contains iron, including all plants, animals, and humans. When a person is deficient in Iron …show more content…
An obvious sign of deficiency is the disease, Rickets; a skeletal disorder that is most commonly caused by a lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. These nutrients are extremely important for the development of strong, healthy bones. Children with rickets may have delicate and soft bones, stunted growth, protruding belly and in severe cases, skeletal deformities, such as bowed legs since the child is unable to mineralize the bone material as they grow. Even though rickets is a disease most often found in children, elderly people can still suffer due to their low levels of Vitamin D, such as joint and muscle pain which are often mistaken for arthritis or just coming with age. There is also a disease called Osteomalacia, an adult form of rickets which usually found in women who have been pregnant. The disease has similar affects as rickets like the bowed legs and weaken bones and happens when bone proteins fail to mineralize normally …show more content…
They are are required from birth, every stage in between, and up until we die. In this three-day personal diet analysis, I have gained a lot of knowledge about my own diet. I discovered that I am deficient in many essential micronutrients. Before the project, I wouldn’t think much about what food I put into my body but after learning all the health risks that can come with a poor diet, I realize how important it is to live a healthy lifestyle and since, I have been more vigilant in what I have been putting into my body. I am aware that as far as micronutrients are concerned, it is very important to keep a keen eye on your intake no matter what your age is and that you can often be consuming to much or two little of a nutrient and not even realize that you may be putting your health in