Micronutrients are Needed for Optimal Health
Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals that body needs in small but adequate quantities to function correctly. There are approximately forty micronutrients that are essential for healthy metabolism. We should get those nutrients from diet, but is it possible to get from food alone?
Fruits and vegetables grown today contain significantly fewer vitamins and minerals than they did decades ago. Food is less nutritious and there are two main culprits for this
- Nutrient decline: soil depletion (Modern agricultural processes decrease the nutrient from the soil)
- Longer supply chains (Our supply chains have gotten longer that lead the nutrient value of produce degrades literally every hour)
Do I Need to Take Vitamins/ Minerals/ Supplements?
As we get older, nutritional supplements become even more important. For example, an adults age 65 and older are encouraged to boost their intake of vitamin D to reduce the risk of injury due to falls. Choosing a nutrition supplement is wise if you want peace of mind in knowing that you are supplying yourself with the most important nutritional components and there are lots of evidence does suggest that some supplements can enhance health in different ways.
How Do Vitamins and Mineral Supplements Help Your Body?
Vitamins and mineral supplements are essential for maintaining your overall health and keeping your body functioning optimally. These nutrients support everything from boosting energy levels and enhancing immunity to strengthening bones and improving brain and nerve function. Whether you are looking to fill nutritional gaps or maintain long-term wellness, adding the right supplements to your daily routine can help support your body’s key systems and functions.
Essential Vitamins and Their Benefits
Vitamin A
Supports normal growth, healthy night vision, immune defense, and healthy skin.
Vitamin B Complex
Vital for energy metabolism and nerve function. Each B vitamin plays a unique role:
- B1 – Supports growth, appetite, digestion, and nerve/muscle function
- B2 – Promotes healthy skin, eyes, and cellular growth
- B6 – Aids in amino acid metabolism and immune resistance
- B12 – Essential for red blood cell production and nervous system health
Vitamin C
Promotes tissue repair, collagen formation, strong blood vessels, and resistance to common colds.
Vitamin D
Enhances calcium and phosphorus absorption, essential for bone and teeth health.
Vitamin E
Acts as an antioxidant and supports reproductive health.
Vitamin K
Helps with blood clotting and supports healthy liver function.
Key Minerals and Their Functions
| Mineral | Function |
|---|---|
| Calcium | Builds strong bones and teeth, supports muscle function, nerve signaling, and healthy blood pressure. |
| Magnesium | Essential for muscle and nerve function, digestion, immune health, and body relaxation. |
| Phosphorus | Works with calcium to build bones and teeth; present in every cell for energy storage and use. |
| Potassium | Regulates fluid balance, supports nerve impulses and muscle contractions, and aids in metabolism. |
| Sodium | Maintains fluid balance and supports nerve and muscle function. |
| Chloride | Assists with fluid balance and is a component of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) for digestion. |
| Sulfur | Aids in toxin elimination, supports skin health, circulation, and joint lubrication. |
| Fluoride | Strengthens tooth enamel and supports bone health. |
| Iron | Crucial for red blood cell formation, oxygen transport, digestion, and energy metabolism. |
| Iodine | Supports thyroid function, regulates metabolism, and is important for growth and development. |
| Copper | Helps with iron absorption, red blood cell production, and enzyme functions. |
| Chromium | Helps regulate blood sugar levels and supports fat and carbohydrate metabolism. |
The Importance of Nutrient Absorption
Many health experts see nutritional deficiencies skyrocketing due to poor nutrition and poor vitamin absorption and mineral absorption, leading to health practitioners recommending highly bioavailable vitamin and mineral supplements. Thus, learning how to absorb vitamins better for specific needs may require a change of diet and a change in the supplements. Listed below are the ways to boost vitamin and mineral absorption from the supplements:
- Take Fat-Soluble Vitamins with Oils or Fats – they can be solubilized (dissolved) for absorption
- Spice It Up! – the “hot” sensation from The active compounds called thermonutrients create heat when ingested, boost metabolism, and improve vitamin and mineral absorption
- Micronutrients that should be taken together – (Vitamin K +Vitamin D + Calcium) (Vitamin C + Iron) (Vitamin B6 + Vitamin B12 + Folate) (Iron + Zinc + Vitamin A)
- Micronutrients that should not be taken together – (Zinc + Copper) (Calcium + Iron)
- Watch the Expiration Date and Store Supplements Properly
Boost Your Health with Nutrition Guidance and Screening at GHHS Healthcare
In a world where food quality is declining and nutritional gaps are more common than ever, understanding how vitamins and mineral supplements support your body is key to staying healthy. From promoting energy, immunity, and bone strength to improving absorption with smart combinations, supplements can play a crucial role in your wellness journey. By choosing the right nutrients and using them wisely, you can bridge dietary gaps and ensure your body gets the support it needs to function at its best.
To help you take this proactive step toward better health, GHHS Healthcare offers comprehensive support through our Dietitian and Nutrition Services. With personalised dietary consultations and in-depth Health Screening packages, our team can identify nutrient deficiencies and provide expert guidance on the right supplements and eating habits for your body’s needs. Whether you’re looking to optimise your wellness, manage a specific health concern, or improve nutrient absorption, GHHS Healthcare offers the support you need to achieve better health through science-backed nutrition. Book your consultation or health screening with GHHS Healthcare today and take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
By,
Dr. Zulfadli Mansor
MD (UKM)
Medical Officer
GHHS Healthcare
