Tag: Micronutrient

Recent scientific discoveries have solved a decades-long mystery, confirming that humans cannot produce queuosine on their own and must acquire this vital micronutrient from external sources like diet and gut bacteria. Boosting your internal supply involves a two-pronged strategy focused on the foods you eat and the health of your microbiome.

An estimated 17% of the world's population is at risk of inadequate zinc intake, highlighting its crucial role in human health. But the question remains: do humans need zinc to survive? The scientific consensus points to an unequivocal yes.

According to the National Institutes of Health, magnesium is an abundant mineral found in the body and a cofactor in over 300 enzyme systems. However, its classification as a macronutrient is a common point of confusion, and the answer depends on the context.

Humans are among the few mammals unable to synthesize their own vitamin C, making dietary intake essential for survival. A primary characteristic of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid ($C_6H_8O_6$), is its potent antioxidant function, which protects the body from damaging free radicals and oxidative stress.

According to research, a significant portion of daily lithium intake comes from natural sources, including food and water, which vary considerably by geographical location. This article explores the sources of lithium in our diet and provides a comprehensive guide to understanding its presence in both food and drinking water.

Globally, nearly half of all deaths among children under 5 years of age are linked to undernutrition. These alarming statistics underscore the serious and widespread consequences of inadequate nutrition. What diseases are caused directly by malnutrition is a critical public health question, as nutritional deficiencies can cause a range of debilitating illnesses and conditions affecting millions of people worldwide.

Sodium is an essential mineral that our bodies need to function properly. Most people consume far more sodium than they need, with more than 70% of intake coming from packaged and restaurant foods. Understanding what nutrient category sodium falls under is the first step toward better managing its consumption for long-term health.

Melatonin itself is a hormone and not a macronutrient like carbohydrates, fats, or proteins, which are the only sources of calories. When considering the calories in a 10mg melatonin supplement, the focus should be on the delivery format and other ingredients, not the melatonin itself. For example, gummies contain significant amounts of added sugars, while tablets and liquid forms usually have negligible caloric content.

While the body requires nutrients in varying amounts, a common point of confusion exists over the classification of certain minerals. Magnesium, for example, is technically a macromineral, which is a type of micronutrient, but is required in higher quantities than trace minerals like iron or zinc. This article will explain this distinction and explore magnesium's vital roles in human health.

While most people associate nickel with coins or industrial alloys, this element is a proven essential micronutrient for all higher plants and many bacteria. However, whether a nickel is a micronutrient for humans remains a subject of debate, with no established recommended daily intake due to its low absorption and potential for toxicity.