Nutrient

Nutrient Types and Essentiality:

• Macronutrients include carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur.
• Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are primary sources of energy.
• Essential macronutrients like calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride ions are crucial.
• Micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, are essential for metabolic functions.
• Essential nutrients like amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals are vital for normal physiological function.
• Conditionally essential nutrients are necessary in specific developmental or pathological states.

Specific Essential Nutrients:

• Essential fatty acids for humans include alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid.
• Thirteen essential vitamins, such as A, C, D, E, K, and B vitamins, are required in small amounts.
• Essential minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, and others are crucial for health.
• Choline is an essential nutrient for humans.
• Cobalt is essential as a component of Vitamin B.

Non-Essential Nutrients and Non-Nutrients:

• Dietary fiber, not absorbed in the human digestive tract, plays a significant role in health.
• Ethanol, although not essential, provides energy.
• Phytochemicals, found in plants, have both nutritional and non-nutritional components.
• Soluble fiber, marketed for its prebiotic function, is metabolized by gut bacteria.

Deficiencies, Toxicity, and Nutrient Regulations:

• Inadequate intake can lead to deficiencies, while excess consumption can cause nutrient toxicity.
• Recommended dietary intake levels vary between countries and organizations.
• Government organizations provide guidelines on nutrient intake levels.
• The US FDA and other entities regulate nutrient content claims and set upper intake levels.
• Different countries have varying guidelines for nutrient intake.

Plant Nutrients and Nutrient Information:

• Plants absorb essential nutrients from the environment to support growth and development.
• Nutrient sources for plants include macronutrients and micronutrients.
• Tolerable upper intake levels are established based on adverse effects.
• Essential nutrients for plants are sourced from inorganic and organic matter.
• Nutrient data, including daily recommended amounts and ULs, are crucial for dietary planning.

Nutrient Data Sources