Micronutrients: The Body's Essential Helpers
Think of micronutrients as your body's maintenance crew - they don't fuel you with energy, but without them, everything would start breaking down. You only need small amounts, but they're absolutely crucial for keeping you healthy and functioning properly.
There are two main types of micronutrients you need to know about: vitamins and minerals (including trace elements). Most vitamins can't be made by your body, so you've got to get them from food.
Vitamins are split into two groups: fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and water-soluble ones. Fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in your body's fat, whilst water-soluble ones need to be topped up regularly.
Vitamin A keeps your skin healthy, helps you see in the dark, and boosts your immune system. You can get it from liver and other animal products, or from orange and yellow plant foods like carrots. Without enough, you might struggle to see properly at night.
Vitamin D is brilliant for strong bones and teeth, plus it helps your muscles work properly. Your skin makes it when you're in sunlight, but you can also find it in oily fish, eggs, and fortified cereals. Young children often need supplements because they're still growing rapidly.
Quick Tip: Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are stored in your body, so you don't need them every single day - but don't skip them for weeks!