What are the macronutrients? What are the macronutrients and trace elements?

Macroelements are substances necessary for the normal functioning of the human body. They should be supplied with food in quantities of 25 grams. Macro-elements are simple chemical substances. It can be either metals or non-metals. However, they need not necessarily enter the body in its pure form. In most cases macro- and microelements come with food in the composition of salts and other chemical compounds.

Are the macronutrients what substances?

12 macronutrients should enter the human body. Of these, four are called biogenic, since their quantity in the body is greatest. Such macronutrients are the basis of life of organisms. Of these, cells are composed.

Biogenic

The macronutrients include:

• carbon;
• oxygen;
• nitrogen;
• hydrogen.

They are called biogenic, as they are the main components of a living organism and are part of almost all organic substances.

Other macronutrients

The macronutrients include:

• phosphorus;
• calcium;
• magnesium;
• chlorine;
• sodium;
• potassium;
• sulfur.

Their number in the body is less than biogenic macro elements.

What are micronutrients?

Micro- and macroelements differ in that the microelements need less. Excessive intake of them into the body has a negative impact. However, their deficiency also causes disease.

Here is the list of microelements:

• iron;
• fluorine;
• copper;
• manganese;
• chromium;
• zinc;
• aluminum;
• mercury;
• lead;
• nickel;
• iodine;
• molybdenum;
• selenium;
• cobalt.

Some trace elements become extremely toxic when the dosage is exceeded, for example, mercury and cobalt.

What role do these substances play in the body?

Consider the functions that micronutrients and macronutrients perform.

The role of macro elements:

• Phosphorus. It is part of the nucleic acids and proteins, as well as the salts from which the bones and teeth form.
• Calcium. It is part of the bones, as well as teeth. In addition, it is necessary for muscle contraction. Calcium shells also consist of calcium.
• Magnesium. It is part of the chlorophyll, which provides photosynthesis in plants. In the animal body is involved in protein synthesis.
• Chlorine. Its ions participate in the process of excitation of cells.
• Sodium. Performs the same function as chlorine.
• Potassium. Ensures the retention of the necessary water in the cage. Participates in the processes of excitation of the cell, and is also necessary for the functioning of enzymes.
• Sulfur. They are a constituent of nucleic acids and proteins.

The functions performed by certain trace elements have not yet been fully understood, since the smaller the element is present in the body, the more difficult it is to determine the processes in which it participates.

The role of microelements in the body:

• Iron. Participates in the process of breathing and photosynthesis. It is part of the hemoglobin protein that transports oxygen.
• Fluorine. It is one of the components of the enamel of the teeth.
• Copper. Takes part in photosynthesis and breathing.
• Manganese. Ensures the functioning of the nervous system.
• Chromium. Participates in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and regulates the level of sugar in the blood. In addition, it can replace iodine.
• Zinc. It is a component of insulin, a hormone necessary for the conversion of glucose into glycogen.
• Aluminum. Participates in the process of regeneration - tissue repair.
• Mercury. It is a component of some biologically active substances. Her role in the human body is not fully understood.
• Lead. Regulates the hemoglobin in the blood. Activates some enzymes. Participates in the metabolism. Stimulates cell division.
• Nickel. Participates in the processes of hematopoiesis and synthesis of hormones by the body. Activates the action of the hormone insulin and inhibits the action of adrenaline.
• Iodine. Provides normal functioning of the thyroid gland. It is necessary for the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
• Molybdenum. It removes free radicals from the body. Participates in the synthesis of amino acids. It removes excess iron from the body, detains fluoride.
• Selenium. Promotes the absorption of iodine, is a component of biologically active substances, is part of the heart, striated muscle.

Microelements of the cell and its trace elements

Let's consider its chemical composition in the table.

We examined the chemical composition of cells at the level of elements, but it should be taken into account that they, naturally, are not contained in it in pure form, but are combined into organic and inorganic chemical elements.

In what food are the elements necessary for the body?

Consider in the table, in which products contain macro- and trace elements.

Now you know almost everything about macro and microelements.