As children, we learn the importance of vitamins and minerals for good health.
(Remember those animal-shaped multivitamins?)

But what exactly does that entail?
Why do we require certain vitamins, and which ones?

How can we obtain the minerals our body requires for optimal health and well-being?

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at vitamins and minerals: where they come from, their functions, and any effects should you receive too much or not enough of either one.

What Are Micronutrients (MIC)? Micronutrients (MICs) refers to vitamins and minerals needed by your body in smaller quantities (unlike macronutrients which must be consumed more abundantly).

Your body cannot produce micronutrients on its own; therefore, consuming meals with essential nutrients (known as essential micronutrients ) is the only way to get them.

Vitamins are found in plants and animal products, but their composition can be changed or depleted through heat, acid or air exposure.

Minerals, by contrast, are inorganic elements derived from soil or water that cannot be broken down by biological means.

As you eat, you are taking in vitamins produced by plants and animals as well as minerals they’ve ingested. Each food item provides different micronutrients so it is wise to consume a wide range of foods (we will discuss which are optimal sources later).

Vitamins and minerals play a vital role in supporting growth, strengthening immunity and even shaping brain development.

Types and Function of Micronutrients
Micronutrients fall into four broad categories, each distinguished by what it does for your body and what role it serves.