Nutrients

Nutrients

The structure and function of macro & micronutrients.


Macronutrients

Carbs, Lipids, & Proteins

Macronutrients are required in large quantities within an individual’s diet. The three major macronutrients are carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.

Carbohydrates

Structure

  •  “carbo” = carbon
  • “hydrate = water 
  • Carbs are present in a fixed ratio between C:H:O = 1:2:1
For example:

Function

  • provide instant energy (sugar is processed to produce ATP
  • Contains fiber, which is used by the body to remove excess cholesterol as waste

Lipids

Structure

  •  hydrocarbon chains
  • non-polar
  • fats are solid at room temperature; oils are liquid at room temperature

For example:

Function

  • provide long-term energy storage
  • provide insulation from the environment
  • building blocks of many hormones
  • component of cell membranes

Proteins

Structure

  •  built from amino acid monomers (carboxyl & amine groups)
***”R” indicates a variable side chain
 
For example:

Function

  • repairs muscle & tissue
  • balances nitrogen levels within the body
*20 amino acids are needed by the body, but only 11 are synthesized within the body. The other 9 must be introduced in the proteins we eat.

For more information check out Chapter 3 of the Biology 2e textbook!


Micronutrients

Vitamins & Minerals

Micronutrients (vitamins & minerals) are required in lesser quantities than macronutrients. However, these micronutrients are still essential within a balanced diet.

Vitamins

vitamins: organic compounds with a wide variety of physiological functions including good health, proper metabolic functioning, and disease prevention.

Examples:

Vitamin C; this vitamin helps build collagen (an important connective tissue component)

Vitamin K; essential in the blood-clotting process

Vitamin B; supports metabolic processing

Minerals

minerals: ions and ionic compounds with a variety of physiological functions

a) Macrominerals: minerals necessary for life; these are not present within the body in large quantities, so they must be ingested daily

Ca, P, Cl, K, S, Na, & Mg

b) Microminerals: minerals that are required in lesser quantities

Fe, Cu, Zn

c) Trace minerals: small quantities can be beneficial in improving health

I, F, Se, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Mo, B, Si, & Sn