Types and Function of Nutrients

Nutrients are organic molecules that are necessary for all organisms to grow, make energy, develop, and reproduce. They are broadly classified into two; macronutrients and micronutrients. Nutrients that are needed in large quantities are called macronutrients and the nutrients needed in smaller quantities are micronutrients. Nutrients are the foundation of good nutrition, playing important roles in various bodily processes. Deficiency or excess nutrients can lead to a wide range of health issues.

What are Nutrients?

Nutrients are organic molecules that are needed by the body to grow, work, and stay healthy. All the cells of the body require these nutrients as fuels to function properly. Nutrients are digested from the food ingested and then broken down to be used by the organism.

Types of Nutrients

Nutrients are broadly classified into two types they are:

• Macronutrients: these are required in large amounts and are further classified into three types; carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
• Micronutrients: these are required in small quantities and they consist of vitamins and minerals.

Macronutrients

The nutrients required in large quantities to provide the body with energy, prevent disease, and perform the body function correctly are called macronutrients. Most of the body’s energy and calories come from these nutrients. The amount of each macronutrient a person requires may vary based on individual factors such as weight, age, and preexisting health conditions.

• Carbohydrates: These nutrients provide a high source of energy and are the primary energy source for the brain. They are broken down into glucose, which moves from the bloodstream and then into body cells. The sources of carbohydrates are starchy vegetables, bread, milk, nuts, legumes, and fruits. They are further divided into; simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates can be broken down to glucose easily but complex carbohydrates, take more time to digest as they contain long chains of sugar molecules and also have fiber.
• Proteins: these are made up of a long chain of amino acids and their dietary sources are Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products which contain all the essential amino acids in plants, it is present in Legumes (beans and lentils), nuts, seeds, and some grains like quinoa, some may not contain essential amino acid but can be combined to form a complete protein diet. The daily requirement of proteins depends on factors like age, sex, physical activity level, and overall health.
• Fats: these are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol. these nutrients are energy-dense providing 9 calories per gram, compared to 4 calories per gram for both carbohydrates and proteins. Fats are further divided into three types:
  • Saturated fatty acids: usually found in animal products like meat and dairy and some tropical oils. The Overconsumption of these fats leads to higher cholesterol levels and heart disease risk..
  • Unsaturated fatty acids: these are two types
    • Monounsaturated Fats: present in olive oil, avocados, and certain nuts and are beneficial for heart health.
    • Polyunsaturated Fats: found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts and are made up of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. the body cannot produce on its own hence called essential fats.
  • Trans fat: hydrogenation of oils form trans fat and are, found in some processed foods. They are linked to increased heart disease risk and are considered harmful.

Micronutrients

These are essential nutrients required by the body in smaller amounts compared to macronutrients. The important micronutrients are vitamins and minerals

Vitamins: these are organic compounds that are required by the body to perform various body functions properly. These are further divided into

• Water soluble vitamins: they include vitamin C and Vitamin B complex that have to be consumed regularly as they are not stored in the body.
• Fat-soluble vitamins: these types of vitamins include Vitamins A, D, E, and K and these can be stored in the body's fatty tissues and liver.

Minerals: they are of two types

• Macrominerals: that are required in large quantities and include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, and sulfur.
• Microminerals: are required in small quantities and include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium.

Functions of Nutrients

There are various functions for macronutrients and micronutrients they are:

• Carbohydrates are a high source of energy that is required for muscle contraction during intense exercise and even at rest, they help the body to perform vital functions like maintaining body temperature, keeping the heart beating, and digesting food.
• Proteins are the building blocks of the body as they are required for the growth and repair of body tissues like muscles, bones, skin, and hair. Proteins are necessary for the regulation of hormones that are required for metabolism, digestion, and reproduction. This macronutrient can be used as an energy source by the body when carbohydrates and fats are not available.
• Fat is an energy-rich nutrient that acts as a major source of energy, during extended physical activity and when carbohydrate reserves are low. This macronutrient acts as a cushion for vital organs and insulates the body to maintain internal body temperature. It also plays an important role in maintaining the cell integrity and regulation of hormones.
• Vitamins are essential for healthy vision, immune system, skin, DNA synthesis, nervous system function, blood clothing and bone health. Minerals are required for metabolism of amino acids, cholesterol, glucose, carbohydrates, for muscular contraction, nerve signals, formation of reb blood cells and for maintaining bone and teeth health.

Diseases Due to Deficiency or Overintake of Nutrients

Both deficiency and overconsumption of nutrients can lead to various health issues.

• Vitamin deficiency: can cause diseases like rickets (Vitamin D deficiency), scurvy (Vitamin C), night blindness (Vitamin A deficiency), beriberi (Vitamin B deficiency)
• Mineral deficiency: iron deficiency causes anemia, osteoporosis is caused due to calcium deficiency, hypothyroidism is caused by iron deficiency and stunted growth is caused due to zinc deficiency.
• Conditions like kwashiorkor and marasmus are caused by severe protein and calorie deficiency mainly in children under the age of 5.

Overconsumption of the nutrients also causes various Diseases like

• Overconsumption of vitamins leads to hypervitaminosis, with symptoms like nausea, liver damage, and increased intracranial pressure.
• Excessive mineral intake causes hypertension, heart disease, hypercalcemia, and stones in the kidneys that lead to impaired kidney function.
• High intake of saturated, carbohydrates, and trans fats, leads to obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
• If proteins are consumed in high quantities it causes strain to the kidneys, especially in people with pre-existing kidney conditions.

Hence a balanced amount of macronutrients and micronutrients is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Less or overconsumption of these nutrients should be avoided.

Also Read:

• Nutrition in Living Organism
• What is Nutrient Cycling?
• Difference Between Micronutrients and Macronutrients