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micronutrient

A vitamin or mineral that the body needs in small amounts to work and grow normally.

MY-kroh-NOO-tree-ent noun

Word parts

micro- smallnutri nourish-ent something that does

What it means

Vitamins and minerals, needed in milligrams or micrograms a day. Macronutrients, by contrast, are carbohydrates, proteins and fats, needed in large amounts for energy. Examples of micronutrients are iron, calcium, zinc, iodine, folic acid and vitamins A, C and D. A lack of one causes a deficiency disease, such as anemia from too little iron.

At a glance

Also writtenmicronutrients

Related terms

vitamin

A substance the body needs in small amounts for normal growth and function, mostly from food.

nutrient

A substance in food that the body needs for energy, growth and repair.

mineral

A natural element, such as calcium, iron or potassium, that the body needs in small amounts.

Filed under
Body systems

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