Micronutrient

A nutrient required in small quantities for normal growth, development, and physiological function. Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals, unlike macronutrients needed in larger amounts.

Vitamin: An organic micronutrient required in small amounts for normal metabolism and health. Vitamins form one major class of micronutrients and support diverse metabolic functions.
Micronutrient deficiency: A state in which inadequate micronutrient intake or availability impairs normal biological function. Insufficient intake can produce specific disorders, often before obvious symptoms appear.
Intestinal absorption: The movement of digested substances from the intestine into the blood or lymph. Micronutrients must cross the intestinal barrier before most tissues can use them.
Iodine deficiency: A lack of iodine that can impair thyroid hormone production and cause goiter or developmental harm. Iodine deficiency demonstrates how a single mineral shortage can affect growth and cognition.
Mineral nutrient: An inorganic element required by organisms for growth, development, or physiological function. Minerals form the other major class, supplying elements such as iron, zinc, and iodine.
Micronutrient toxicity: Harmful effects caused by excessive exposure to a micronutrient. Some micronutrients have narrow safe ranges, so excess can be as harmful as deficiency.
Nutrient transporter: A membrane protein that moves a specific nutrient into or between cells. Transporter proteins control uptake and distribution of many vitamins and minerals.
Iron-deficiency anemia: Anemia caused by insufficient iron for normal hemoglobin production. Iron deficiency is a common micronutrient problem that reduces the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity.
Essential nutrient: A substance an organism must obtain from its environment because it cannot make enough for normal function. Micronutrients are essential nutrients when the body cannot synthesize sufficient amounts.
Food fortification: The deliberate addition of nutrients to food to improve its nutritional quality or public health value. Fortification raises population intake of micronutrients such as iodine, iron, and folic acid.

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