Micronutrient Review

Now that the Vital Micronutrients series is complete, it's time to wrap things up. Here's our micronutrient review...Nutrients are substances that your body needs for survival and growth.There are two major types of nutrients: macronutrients and micronutrients.Macronutrients make up most of what people eat each day. Think carbohydrates, fat, and protein -- those are all macronutrients. They provide structural material and energy.Micronutrients, on the other hand, don't drive the calories in your eating pattern. That said, they can still have a significant impact on your health. They're just needed in much smaller amounts.Vitamins and minerals are both micronutrients.The CDC has identified six essential micronutrients for a healthy eating pattern, which is what we used to focus the series. Did you know that "Globally more than half of children younger than 5 years old suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies" (source)? Plus, 1 in 6 American women is iron-deficient during pregnancy. We shine the spotlight on these micronutrients to help everyone build a healthier eating pattern.So take a closer look at these six essential micronutrients. Are you getting enough? Are your clients?Here are links to the full series. Every post comes with its own handout.

• Vitamin A

• Vitamin D

• Folate

• Iodine

• Iron

• Zinc

• Bonus: What Are Micronutrients?

• Bonus: Micronutrient Overview

Today's Handout:Micronutrient ReviewReferences:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/micronutrient-malnutrition/about-micronutrients/index.html

2. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/micronutrient-inadequacies/overview#EAR

3. https://www.usaid.gov/global-health/health-areas/nutrition/technical-areas/micronutrients-brief

4. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/micronutrient-malnutrition/micronutrients/index.html

5. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/

6. https://www.myplate.gov/