Micronutrients Flashcards
What are micronutrients?
Nutrients that are needed in small quantities. These include vitamins, minerals and trace elements.
What is vitamin A needed for?
Good eyesight, growth, a healthy immune system and skin.
What are good sources of vitamin A?
Retinol - liver, butter, oily fish and eggs.
Carotene - margarine and orange or yellow fruit and vegetables.
What can happen if an individual is deficient in vitamin A?
Night blindness, weaker immune system and stunted growth.
What can happen if an individual has an excess amount of vitamin A?
Weakening of bones. Foods containing very high levels of vitamin A (e.g. liver) should be avoided during pregnancy.
How much vitamin A should men and women have each day?
Men - 0.7g each day
Women - 0.6g each day
What is vitamin D needed for?
Absorbing various minerals, including calcium, which is important for the development of healthy bones and teeth.
What are good sources of vitamin D?
Oily fish and egg yolk. It is also produced when the skin is exposed to sunlight.
What can happen if an individual is deficient in vitamin D?
Bone disease (e.g. osteomalacia - where bones become soft), rickets and osteoporosis - where bones become brittle).
How much vitamin D should men and women have each day?
0.01g for men and women. During summer months most individuals should be able to get enough vitamin D through natural exposure to the sun.
What can happen if an individual has an excess amount of vitamin D?
Too much vitamin D consumption will make you absorb too much calcium. This can cause kidney damage.
What is vitamin E needed for?
It keeps skin and eyes healthy as well as improving our immune system.
