3 Micronutrients Free Online FlashCards

What are micronutrients?

Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals needed in small amounts. They help regulate body processes but do not provide energy.

How do fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins differ?

Vitamins A, D, E, and K dissolve in fat and can be stored in the body. Vitamins C and B are water-soluble and are generally excreted more readily.

What is one key role of vitamin A, and what can deficiency cause?

Vitamin A supports vision, immunity, growth, and tissue maintenance. Deficiency can impair vision, including causing night blindness.

What does vitamin D help the body do, and what can deficiency cause?

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and supports bones and muscles. Deficiency can cause rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

How does vitamin C support collagen and iron nutrition?

Vitamin C supports collagen formation and antioxidant defenses. It also improves absorption of iron from plant foods.

Why is folate especially important around conception?

Folate is needed for DNA synthesis and cell division, making it especially important during early pregnancy. Inadequate folate around conception raises the risk of neural-tube defects.

What are key roles and food sources of vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 supports red-blood-cell formation and normal nerve function. Natural sources are primarily animal foods; some plant-based foods are fortified.

What are two roles of calcium?

Calcium builds bones and teeth and also supports muscle contraction and nerve signaling. It is a major mineral.

What does iron help hemoglobin do, and what can iron deficiency cause?

Iron is needed for hemoglobin to carry oxygen. Deficiency can cause iron-deficiency anemia.

Why does the body need iodine, and how can excess affect it?

Iodine is needed to make thyroid hormones, which regulate growth and metabolism. Both too little and too much iodine can disrupt thyroid function.

What does the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) represent?

The Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) is the intake estimated to meet the needs of half of healthy people in a specified group. It is especially useful for assessing groups.

Who is the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) designed to meet?

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is designed to meet the needs of nearly all—about 97–98%—of healthy people in a specified group. It is commonly used as an individual planning goal.