Fortunately, nowadays more and more people pay attention not only to the calorie content but also to the macronutrient values of their consumed meals, i.e., information about the nutritional mineral content. Do you know the difference between micro and macro elements? What happens if you don't get enough of them? Read the article below for answers.
Deficiency Can Easily Occur
Minerals, often mentioned in the same breath as vitamins, are known to be important for the body. However, you may not be aware of how to ensure the right quality and quantity of each with your diet. These inorganic chemical compounds can be found in various foods, but even with the most carefully crafted diet, it is possible not to get all the necessary elements. This is especially true if you follow a strict diet, such as being vegetarian or vegan, or if you have to exclude entire food groups due to food sensitivity.
Micro, Macro?
Not only medical and economics students might raise their eyebrows at these words; they may be familiar to those who delve into the mysteries of nutrition due to sports or lifestyle changes. Micro and macronutrients generally refer to the sum of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, and the prefixes indicate the magnitude needed by the body from the respective compound. Macro elements are recommended to be taken in quantities of over 100 mg daily, while microelements only require a few milligrams of the recommended dose.
Inorganic for the Body
With an unbalanced diet, especially one relying on fast food and lacking in vegetables, fruits, and legumes, a mineral deficiency can occur. This problem can be eliminated with varied, complete meals: the more colorful your diet, the greater the chance that your body will get all the essential substances. You can rely on carefully crafted, packaged meals that also make menu planning easier.
How Do I Know If Something Is Wrong?
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we tend to pay less attention to ourselves, so we may only notice the lack of certain nutrients when it already causes symptoms. For example, iron deficiency can manifest as increased hair loss and fatigue. Weakness and muscle cramps can be indicative of inadequate intake of potassium or magnesium. Zinc deficiency can be signaled by, among other things, loss of appetite, and if you notice damage to your teeth, it's worth checking if your selenium level is adequate. Consulting with your general practitioner and regular laboratory tests can greatly help in designing an optimal diet.