Things You Should Have Learned in School: Micronutrients

What you need to know about vitamins, minerals, and why they matter.

You hear plenty about macronutrients like protein, carbs, and fat, but what about the little guys? Micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, play an equally important role in our health by maintaining bodily functions. However, if we get too much or too little of them, we can experience unpleasant side effects. 

What do vitamins and minerals do?

Vitamins and minerals act as tiny assistants throughout the body. They regulate our hormones, heal wounds, help fight infection, facilitate metabolism, maintain fluid balance, keep our vision sharp, build healthy bones; they even and even help deliver oxygen to cells throughout our body. We may not need them in large amounts, but they make a big impact. 

How are vitamins and minerals absorbed?

We get vitamins and minerals from food or supplements. They are then absorbed by our digestive system and distributed throughout the body. Some vitamins and minerals assist each other's absorption, such as vitamin C helps with the uptake of iron. Other vitamins and minerals inhibit absorption; for example, calcium can interfere with the absorption of iron. Some vitamins and minerals (vitamin A, D, E, and K) are fat-soluble, so you can improve absorption of these vitamins by consuming them with fat. You are likely already doing this naturally, for example, if you are eating a salad with a variety of vegetables, you mix it with dressing. The fat from the dressing will help you absorb the vitamins and minerals in the vegetables. 

Generally speaking, you don’t have to worry too much about this if you are eating a varied diet. However, if you are deficient and taking a supplement, or need to focus on increasing your intake of a particular vitamin or mineral, you might want to be conscious of the pairings.

Am I getting enough vitamins and minerals? 

Certainly, vitamins and minerals are considered “shortfall nutrients”, which are nutrients that a substantial portion of the population underconsumes. Shortfall nutrients include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin C, folate, calcium, magnesium, and potassium (as well as iron for adolescent and premenopausal women). When these nutrients are underconsumed, they can result in negative health outcomes.

There are a few factors that contribute to why a person might not consume enough of a certain vitamin or mineral. The main culprit is inadequate intake of nutrient-dense foods that are rich in micronutrients, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Other factors include changes in nutrient needs, special diets, or absorption impact by medications or medical conditions. 

How can I get enough vitamins and minerals from my diet?

Eating a varied, balanced diet is the best way to ensure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals. Start with eating at least 2 servings of vegetables and 3 servings of fruits per day, and aim to eat a variety of whole grains, incorporate low-fat dairy or dairy alternatives, and a variety of protein sources. Nuts and seeds are also full of vitamins and minerals, and can be added to dishes like smoothies, oats, and salads. Fortified foods can also help get vitamins that don’t naturally occur in many foods, such as vitamin D. If you have a deficiency or increased needs that require supplementation, talk to your doctor about whether a supplement would be helpful for you.

*short-fall nutrients

Values from the Dietary Reference Intakes, based on values recommended for healthy adults ages 19-50. These recommended values are divided by recommendations for men and women in the Dietary Reference Intakes, which is why ranges might be listed.

*short-fall nutrients

Values from the Dietary Reference Intakes, based on values recommended for healthy adults ages 19-50. These recommended values are divided by recommendations for men and women in the Dietary Reference Intakes, which is why ranges might be listed.

The bottom line: Vitamins and minerals are essential to our diet, and you might not be getting enough of them. Eating a varied diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sets you up for success to meet your nutritional needs.

Edited by Madeline Peck, RDN, CDN, and Senior Nutritionist at Huel