micronutrient
Sign in to savethumb|Effects of trace element malnutrition on human health Micronutrients are essential chemicals required by organisms in small quantities to perform various biogeochemical processes and regulate physiological functions of cells and organs. By enabling these processes, micronutrients support the health of organisms throughout life.
Article
11 sectionsContents
- Natural abundances of micronutrients
- Sources and transport of micronutrients
- Natural cycling
- Anthropogenic influences
- Human micronutrient deficiencies
- Salt iodization
- Vitamin A supplementation
- Zinc
- Plant micronutrient needs
- See also
- References
thumb|Effects of trace element malnutrition on human health Micronutrients are essential chemicals required by organisms in small quantities to perform various biogeochemical processes and regulate physiological functions of cells and organs. By enabling these processes, micronutrients support the health of organisms throughout life.
For humans, micronutrients typically take one of three forms: vitamins, trace elements, and dietary minerals. Human micronutrient requirements are in amounts generally less than 100 milligrams per day, whereas macronutrients are required in gram quantities daily. Deficiencies in micronutrient intake commonly result in malnutrition.