In this blog we are going to tell you about Difference between Micronutrients and Macronutrients, so read this blog carefully to get the complete information.
Nutrients are the organic substances that are present in our food. They are required by our body for proper maintenance and growth. In general, 6 types of nutrients are required by the body for proper health. But depending on metabolic effects nutrients are categorized into two categories which include Micronutrients and Macronutrients. Due to the similarities in words, many people often considered the words the same. However, there are major differences between these two words and their deficiency in the body can cause different diseases. Continue reading the article to know more about Micronutrients and Macronutrients and the key differences between them so that you can have food accordingly.
What are Micronutrients?
As the name suggests, Micronutrients are composed of two words that are micro and nutrients. The word micro implies small. So micronutrients are those organic substances that are required by the body in small quantities or diminutive in comparison to macronutrients. Micronutrients mainly come from minerals that exist in smaller quantities so you cannot consume them in large quantities. They do not have calories that give energy but they are mainly rich in high volumes of antioxidants. Antioxidants play an important role in protecting the body against different diseases. They also help in eliminating toxins that can negatively impact your health. The most notable thing about micronutrients is that they also play an important role in the creation of enzymes as well as other components that improve different functions of our body.
What are Macronutrients?
Macronutrients are composed of two words that are macro and nutrients which implies that macro means in large amounts while nutrients are the chemicals that are required by the body. So we can say that macronutrients are those chemical substances that are required by the body in large quantities daily. Macronutrients are needed for the proper functioning of the body. These nutrients include carbohydrates, protein, fat, and water and each of them provides energy in the form of calories. For instance, carbohydrates constitute macronutrients so often that they are consumed in large quantities. Moreover, carbohydrates are high in fiber and also promote growth in humans. Unlike micronutrients, macronutrients are specifically known for enhancing growth. Overall macronutrients help different parts of the body like the kidney, heart, and brain with energy and ensure the best functionality.
Key Differences between Micronutrients and Macronutrients
The following are the key differences between Micronutrients and Macronutrients as mentioned below:
- Micronutrients are needed in a small amount daily whereas macronutrients are needed in larger amounts by the body.
- The function of Micronutrients is that they support macronutrients to carry out the functions of the body and are also an essential component for building a healthy brain body and bones while Macronutrients are important for the growth, repair, and development of new tissues, maintaining the body temperature, conduct nerve impulses and regulate life processes.
- Micronutrients do not play any role in the construction of body composition whereas Macronutrients place an important role in the construction of body composition.
- Micronutrients contribute to the body in growth and disease prevention while Macronutrients contribute to the bulk energy which is needed for the metabolic system.
- Micronutrients contain a high volume of antioxidants that protect the body against diseases whereas Macronutrients consist of calories that provide energy to the body.
- Micronutrients are present in minute concentrations inside the body while macronutrients are available in high concentrations.
- The foods which are rich in Micronutrients include vegetables, fruits, eggs, green leafy vegetables, and fermented food whereas the foods rich in Macronutrients are carbohydrate-protein, and fat-rich foods.
- Micronutrients are classified into different types as it is needed by the body in trace amounts but Macronutrients are divided into two classes only which are primary and secondary as they are needed in large quantities.
- Micronutrients consist of zinc, iron, manganese, boron, copper, molybdenum, and chlorine in small quantities. On the other hand, Primary macronutrients include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in large quantities and secondary macronutrients include calcium magnesium and sulfur in fewer quantities.
- Micronutrients are toxic if they are present exorbitantly in the cell than the needed amount while Macronutrients are usually not toxic to the cell even if they are present in comparatively higher concentrations than the normal level.
- Deficiency of micronutrients can cause diseases like night blindness, beriberi, scurvy, and goiter whereas the deficiency of macronutrients can cause protein-energy malnutrition, kwashiorkor, and marasmus.
The final words
The human body requires all the nutrients in the proper amount to attain optimum health. Micronutrients and macronutrients are two broad categories of nutrients that sometimes can be from the same source. However, there are significant differences between these two nutrients. The main difference which you can remember is that macronutrients are required by the body in large quantities while micronutrients are required by the body in small quantities. So we hope that this article helped you in understanding the difference between Micronutrients and Macronutrients.
RELATED – Cute CC Cream with Honor Review: Is it Safe to Shop?
Conclusion
We Hope this blog is sufficient enough to provide the information about Difference between Micronutrients and Macronutrients. Thanks for reading this blog.