Micronutrients in health and disease

Abstract

Micronutrients play a central part in metabolism and in the maintenance of tissue function. An adequate intake therefore is necessary, but provision of excess supplements to people who do not need them may be harmful. Single micronutrient deficiency states are comparatively easily recognised and treated. Subclinical deficiency, often of multiple micronutrients, is more difficult to recognise, and laboratory assessment is often complicated by the acute phase response. Clinical benefit is most likely in those people who are severely depleted and at risk of complications, and is unlikely if this is not the case. There is little evidence for supplements leading to a reduction in the incidence of infections in the elderly population, in coronary artery disease, or in malignant disease. The best evidence for benefit is in critical illness, and in children in developing countries consuming a deficient diet. More clinical trials are required with good clinical outcomes to optimise intake in prevention and treatment of disease.

Composição mineral em genótipos de batata-doce de polpas coloridas e adequação de consumo para grupos de risco

“…Há um crescente interesse no papel dos micronutrientes para otimização da saúde e na prevenção ou tratamento de doenças; isso acontece, em grande parte, pelo aumento do conhecimento e da compreensão das funções bioquímicas desses nutrientes (SHENKIN, 2006). Os minerais devem ser fornecidos constantemente por uma alimentação equilibrada e adequada a cada idade; porém, a deficiência de nutrientes, isolados ou simultâneos, como vitaminas e minerais, é preocupante, especialmente em mulheres grávidas, pelo aumento da demanda, e em crianças de até 5 anos, que são mais vulneráveis (BAILEY et al, 2015).…”

Effects of Maalox Plus® Antacid and PureCal® Calcium Supplement on Physical Characteristics, Body Weight, Tissue Minerals and Histopathology of Rats Subjected to Alcohol Intoxication

“…Previous studies have associated magnesium deficiency with reduction in body weight [46,47]. This is because of the central role magnesium plays in growth and development [48] especially in the process of cell proliferation and protein synthesis [49].…”

Biochemical Functions of Micronutrients

“…It was reported that adequate intakes of most micronutrients can be obtained from a typical diet in the UK in adults [10][11][12][13]. Daily recommended intake values for vitamins and minerals for adults are presented in Table 2 …”