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They contribute to good health by regulating the metabolism and assisting the biochemical processes that release energy from digested food. They are considered micronutrients because the body needs them in relatively small amounts compared with nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and water. Considering that the likelihood of some nutrient deficiencies is much greater than 2%, the chance of the average person being deficient in at least one nutrient is almost certainly higher. Select populations will benefit from specific supplementation as in the following examples:- Prenatal vitamins are important for pregnant women
- Folate supplementation with early pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects in newborns
- Daily vitamin/mineral supplements with antioxidant nutrients can reduce infections in the elderly by enhancing immune function
- Premature infants need supplemental iron and vitamin K to maintain health
- People on poor diets or selected medications which deplete key nutrients, or who abuse alcohol or narcotics are likely to be deficient in micronutrients and should see improved health with supplementation
- A 1989 study found calcium, magnesium, iron and manganese were low in teenage girls. Calcium, magnesium and iron were low in adult women. Calcium, magnesium and zinc were low in older women. Calcium and zinc were low in the diets of two year olds. Magnesium was low in the diets of teenage boys and older men.
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