Micronutrients: meaning, definitions and examples

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micronutrients

 

[ ˌmaɪkrəʊˈnjuːtriənts ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

dietary supplements

Micronutrients are essential nutrients that our body needs in small quantities to function properly. These include vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, iron, and zinc.

Synonyms

minerals, nutrients, vitamins.

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Word Description / Examples
micronutrients

This term is suitable for scientific or health-related discussions to refer to essential elements required by living organisms in small quantities.

  • A balanced diet should include all the necessary micronutrients.
  • Deficiency in certain micronutrients can lead to health problems.
nutrients

This is a broad term used to refer to any substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life.

  • Nutrients in fruits and vegetables help in maintaining a healthy body.
  • The nutrient content of soil plays a significant role in agriculture.
vitamins

This term refers specifically to organic compounds that are essential for normal growth and nutrition, usually required in small quantities. Commonly used in health and dietary contexts.

  • Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system.
  • She takes a daily vitamin supplement to ensure she gets all the necessary nutrients.
minerals

Use this word when specifically referring to inorganic substances required for various body functions, often found in the earth. Suitable in nutritional and geological contexts.

  • Calcium and iron are important minerals for the body's health.
  • The soil is rich in minerals which are beneficial for plant growth.

Examples of usage

  • It is important to ensure you are getting enough micronutrients in your diet.
  • Some people take multivitamin supplements to ensure they are getting all the necessary micronutrients.

Translations

Translations of the word "micronutrients" in other languages:

🇵🇹 micronutrientes

🇮🇳 सूक्ष्म पोषक तत्व

🇩🇪 Mikronährstoffe

🇮🇩 mikronutrien

🇺🇦 мікроелементи

🇵🇱 mikroskładniki

🇯🇵 微量栄養素 (びりょうえいようそ)

🇫🇷 micronutriments

🇪🇸 micronutrientes

🇹🇷 mikro besinler

🇰🇷 미량 영양소 (miryang yeongyangso)

🇸🇦 المغذيات الدقيقة

🇨🇿 mikronutrienty

🇸🇰 mikronutrienty

🇨🇳 微量营养素 (wēiliàng yíngyǎngsù)

🇸🇮 mikrohranila

🇮🇸 örnæringarefni

🇰🇿 микронутриенттер

🇬🇪 მიკროელემენტები (mikroelementebi)

🇦🇿 mikronutrientlər

🇲🇽 micronutrientes

Etymology

The term 'micronutrients' was coined in the mid-20th century as scientists began to understand the importance of vitamins and minerals in human nutrition. Prior to this, the focus was primarily on macronutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Micronutrients play a crucial role in various bodily functions, including metabolism, immunity, and overall health.

See also: micronutrient, nutrients, nutrition.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,175, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.