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Micronutrient Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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micronutrient

[หŒmaษชkroสŠหˆnjuหtriษ™nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

nutrition

A nutrient that is required by the body in very small amounts, such as vitamins and minerals.

Synonyms

essential mineral, trace element, vitamin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
micronutrient

Refers to vitamins and minerals needed in small amounts for healthy development, prevention of diseases, and well-being.

  • Fruits and vegetables are rich in essential micronutrients.
  • Deficiency in any micronutrient can lead to health issues.
trace element

Describes minerals required by the body in very small quantities but are vital for various bodily processes.

  • Iodine is a trace element important for thyroid function.
  • Zinc, a trace element, plays a crucial role in the immune system.
essential mineral

Used when specifically talking about minerals that are crucial for bodily functions, such as calcium, iron, and zinc.

  • Calcium is an essential mineral for bone health.
  • Iron, an essential mineral, helps carry oxygen in the blood.
vitamin

Refers to organic compounds that are necessary for normal growth and nutrition, usually required in small quantities in the diet because they cannot be synthesized by the body.

  • Vitamin C boosts the immune system and helps in the absorption of iron.
  • Vitamin D is important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.

Examples of usage

  • Zinc is a vital micronutrient for proper immune function.
  • Iron is an essential micronutrient for the production of red blood cells.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Micronutrients include vitamins such as A, C, D, and minerals like iron and zinc, all crucial for many body functions.
  • Deficiencies in certain micronutrients can lead to serious health issues, such as scurvy from a lack of vitamin C.

Cultural Significance

  • In traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, the importance of vitamins and minerals has been recognized for centuries.
  • Food cultures worldwide value the dietary balance provided by a variety of micronutrient-rich foods, like fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Global Health

  • World Health Organization reports that a high percentage of the global population suffers from micronutrient deficiencies.
  • Efforts to combat this issue include fortifying foods with essential vitamins and minerals to improve public health.

Agriculture

  • The soil's micronutrient content is crucial for growing healthy crops, as it affects plant growth and yield.
  • Sustainable farming practices are increasingly focused on maintaining nutrient-rich soil to support healthy food sources.

Origin of 'micronutrient'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from 'micro', meaning small, and 'nutrient', which refers to substances that nourish organisms.
  • It was first recognized in the early 20th century, as scientists began to understand the importance of these small elements in diet.

The term 'micronutrient' originated in the field of nutrition to describe essential nutrients required by the body in small amounts. The concept of micronutrients gained importance as research on vitamins and minerals progressed, highlighting their crucial roles in maintaining health and preventing deficiencies.

See also: micronutrients, nutrients, nutrition.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,663 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.