Nutrition: Fueling Your Body for Optimal Health
The Fuel of Life
Why your body needs specific compounds to survive and thrive.
Nutrients are chemical compounds found in food that the body cannot produce on its own. They are strictly essential for life. Without them, specific biological processes fail, leading to deficiency, illness, or stunted growth.
Macronutrients ("The Builders")
Required in large amounts (grams). They provide energy (calories) and structural materials.
- Proteins: Muscle & hormones.
- Fats: Brain health & membranes.
- Carbs: Primary energy source.
- Water: The medium of life.
Micronutrients ("The Regulators")
Required in tiny amounts (mg/mcg). They do not provide energy but are critical for function.
- Vitamins: Organic compounds (Plants/Animals).
- Minerals: Inorganic elements (Earth/Soil).
Calcium
Builds and maintains strong bones and teeth.
Carbohydrate
The body's primary source of energy, fueling the brain and muscles.
Chloride
Essential for maintaining fluid balance and producing digestive stomach acid.
Chromium
Enhances the action of insulin and helps maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Copper
Aids in iron absorption and the formation of red blood cells.
Dietary Fibre
Promotes healthy digestion, regular bowel movements, and blood sugar stability.
Fluoride
Strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent tooth decay.
Iodine
Vital for thyroid hormone production, which regulates metabolism and growth.
Iron
Necessary for oxygen transport in the blood.
Magnesium
Supports muscle and nerve function and energy production.
Manganese
Involved in bone formation, blood clotting, and reducing inflammation.
Molybdenum
A cofactor for enzymes that help break down amino acids and toxins.
Omega-3
An essential fatty acid crucial for heart health and brain function.
Also known as: Linolenic Acid
Omega-6
An essential fatty acid important for skin health and growth.
Also known as: Linoleic Acid
Phosphorus
Essential for strong bones, teeth, and cellular energy production.
Potassium
Helps maintain fluid balance and nerve signals.
Protein
Crucial for building, maintaining, and repairing body tissues and muscles.
Selenium
A powerful antioxidant that supports thyroid function and cell protection.
Silicon
Supports bone health and connective tissue formation
Sodium
Maintains fluid balance and supports nerve function.
Total Fat
Helps with energy storage and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Vanadium
Supports glucose metabolism and bone health
Vitamin A
Essential for vision, immune health, and skin.
Also known as: Beta Carotene
Vitamin B1
Essential for converting nutrients into energy and supporting nerve function.
Also known as: Thiamin
Vitamin B12
Vital for nerve tissue health and brain function.
Also known as: Cobalamin
Vitamin B2
Key for energy production, cell function, and maintaining eye health.
Also known as: Riboflavin
Vitamin B3
Supports digestive health, skin, and a healthy nervous system.
Also known as: Niacin
Vitamin B5
Necessary for making blood cells and converting food into energy.
Also known as: Pantothenic Acid
Vitamin B6
Supports brain development, immune function, and hemoglobin production.
Also known as: Pyridoxine
Vitamin B7
Plays a vital role in metabolizing fats, carbs, and proteins for energy.
Also known as: Biotin
Vitamin B9
Critical for DNA synthesis, cell growth, and healthy pregnancy.
Also known as: Folate, Folic Acid
Vitamin C
A powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and skin.
Also known as: Ascorbic Acid
Vitamin D
Crucial for bone health and calcium absorption.
Also known as: Cholecalciferol, Ergocalciferol
Vitamin E
Protects cells from damage and supports heart health.
Also known as: Alpha Tocopherol
Vitamin K
Vital for blood clotting and bone metabolism.
Also known as: Phylloquinone, Menaquinone
Zinc
Important for immune function and wound healing.