In: Nursing
Explain the role of macro and micronutrients for nutritional health and well-being.
ROLE OF MACRONUTRIENTS FOR NUTRITIONAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING:
1. They provide us ENERGY. All Marconutrients provides energy but the amount varies.
•Carbohydrates and Proteins each gives 17 kJ/g
•Fats provide 37 kj/g.
The major source of energy in body is carbohydrates.
2. Macronutrients help in growth and development. For example, protein is a macro nutrient. It is broken down into simple amino acids by digestive enzymes and then these amino acids act as building blocks in formation of new form of proteins that may help in-
• Growth and repair of tissues.
• Make essential hormones and enzymes.
• Help in immune function of body.
3. Macronutrients help in absorption of some vitamins. For example fat is a macronutrient which helps in absorption of vitamins A,D,E,K. These vitamins are also called as Fat soluble vitamins.
ROLE OF MICRO-NUTRIENTS IN NUTRITIONAL HEALTH AND WELL BEING:
1. Micro nutrients like vitamins and minerals are necessary in optimal health and to fight diseases as certain micronutrients can act as antioxidants. Antioxidants prevent cell damage associated with diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's and heart disease, for example vitamin A and C.
2. Micronutreints help in bone development like calcium.
3. Micronutrients help in fluid balance in body like sodium, potassium, chlorine.
4. Micronutrients help in blood clotting process in body like Vitamin K.
5. Micronutrients help in formation of blood cells like iron is involved in synthesis of RBCs.
6. Micronutrients play role in cell division, cell growth , wound healing for example Zinc.
7. Micronutrients help in tooth health. Like fluoride helps in remineralization of weakened tooth enamel, reverses early tooth decay and prevent the growth of oral bacteria.