Introduction to Micronutrients

Micronutrients are essential elements required by the body for functioning. They are essential, just like macronutrients, but needed in much smaller amounts. Despite the amount needed, they are crucial for proper development, growth, enzyme production and much more.

Micronutrients include vitamins, minerals, phyto-nutrients and antioxidants. They are found in all foods, just like macronutrients, but also abundant in plants, herbs and spices. Here’s an easy way to look at it; macronutrients provide calories and energy, while micronutrients supply the “tools” for the biological & physiological functions.

Macronutrients influence/make up the Quantity of your Diet Assorted Fruits and Vegetables Background

Micronutrients influence/make up the Quality of your Diet

We must obtain them through our diet & supplementation. Micronutrients include:

  • Vitamins: A, B (there are 8 total) C, D, E, K, Choline
  • Omega Fatty Acids (3, 6, 9) and Amino Acids
  • Minerals: Zinc, Magnesium, Iron, Sodium, Potassium, Magnanese, Selenium, Iodine
  • Phytonutrients & Antioxidants: Resveratrol, Astaxanthin, CoQ10 & found in Turmeric, Frankincense, Rosemary, Clove, Ginger etc.

Many nutrients have been proven to prevent chronic disease, slow the progress and even reverse things like diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, inflammation, fatigue, and depression.

Here are some examples of the functions of Micronutrients:

  • Vitamin A: optimal eye health, immune function, reproduction
  • Vitamin B: There are 8 total and they are required for: red blood cell and energy production, nerve function, metabolism, detoxification, brain development, growth & recovery
  • Magnesium: It is involved in over 300 processes in the body! Nervous system functioning, muscle repair & relaxation, mood & relaxation, blood sugar & blood pressure regulation, protein synthesis are a few of its functions.
  • CoQ10: An antioxidant that aids in heart health, energy production, and mitochondria function (the cell’s energy powerhouse)

Micronutrient Deficiency, even in a small amount, can have a profound effect on one’s health. They can be an underlying reason to a health concern or condition. For example, if someone has thryoid dysfunction, it is important to test nutrients such as selenium, iodine and Vitamin B, as these are needed by the thyroid for the chemical processes to occur that produce thyroid hormones.

It is first and foremost ideal to obtain your micronutrients through food. Eating a diet rich in colorful produce and whole, unprocessed foods will provide an array of nutrients. However, it can be hard to get all we need from food for several reasons:

  • Unfortunately most of our soil is depleted and many conventional farms use chemicals and toxins (such as Roundup) to preserve the agriculture. Most consumers are subject to produce with pesticides and herbicides, plus GMOs (genetically modified organisms) in packaged foods, which all deplete the body’s nutrient stores.
  • Our current SAD (Standard American Diet) the way most of us eat, are high in processed/packaged foods and low in whole foods, vegetables, fruit etc. The diet is high in calories but low in any nutrients.
  • The use of pharmaceutical drugs has escalated recently. Most medications (even OTC) deplete essential nutrients, making people more vulnerable to deficiencies and of course the nasty unwanted side effects.

While it is excellent you have made the choice now to improve your health & eating habits, supplementation can be a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle. Quality Supplements “fill in the gap” where your current diet is lacking, and also reverses the deficiencies you may currently have. (We know this based on your personalized blood work and health conditions).

Consuming Micronutrients & Supplementation that are personalized to YOU will get you the best results.  Not everyone should take the same thing or the same amount. We have formulated your supplementation recommendation based on your current health needs, goals and APOE type.

Foods that are rich in micronutrients include:

  • Dark leafy greens
  • Any fruit or vegetable
  • Raw nuts & seeds
  • Animal protein that is void of GMOs, antibiotics, or hormones
  • Whole free range eggs
  • Herbs & Spices such as: Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary, Turmeric, Sea Salt, Clove, Ginger, Cinnamon

Important Supplements might include:

  • Omega 3 Fatty Acids
  • Vitamin D
  • Probiotic
  • Vitamin B Complex

What are some ways that you can start incorporating more Micronutrients into your daily life?