ESSENCE OF MACRONUTRIENTS AND MICRONUTRIENTS IN THE BODY (Research Paper Sample)

ESSENCE OF MACRONUTRIENTS AND MICRONUTRIENTS IN THE BODY
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Health Benefits of Consuming Macronutrients and Associated Subtypes
1) Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose prior to being absorbed in the body to produce energy for effective body functioning CITATION NHS20 \l 1033 (NHS, 2020).
2) Proteins
Proteins are body-building foods and are essential in the functioning of the cells, development and repair of body tissues, making of hormones, enzymes and other vital chemicals in the body.
3) Fats
Fats are the major storage form of energy in the body. They are also important in the absorption of vitamins and minerals, building of cell membranes and insulation of the nervous system.
Potential Health Risks of Deficient or Excessive Intake of Macronutrients
Too little carbohydrates in the body leads to a drop in blood sugar resulting to ketosis CITATION Jud14 \l 1033 (Wylie-Rosett, 2014). On the other hand, excessive intake of carbohydrates leads to high blood sugar levels which subsequently leads to weight gain, and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Protein deficiency can lead to malnutrition diseases such as marasmus and kwashiorkor in children. In adults, health risks include edema, skin lesions, and weak muscle tone. Excessive intake of protein poses the risk of heart diseases, and inflicts excess metabolic burden on the kidneys and the liver CITATION Cor00 \l 1033 (Metges, 2000).
Health risks associated with fat deficiency include stunted growth in children. In adults, risks include frequent infections, scaly dermatitis, and reduced heart metabolism rate. Intake of excess fats increases the risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases.
Roles of Micronutrients in the Body
1) Iron
-Important in blood production
-Essential in the conversion of blood sugar to energy
2) Vitamin A
-Boosts the immune system
-Enhances vision
3) Vitamin D
- Helps reduce inflammation
-Aids in calcium absorption which is necessary for formation of strong bones
4) Zinc
- Helps in the development of a strong immune system
-It helps in the breakdown of carbohydrates
5) Iodine
- Used in the making of thyroid hormones
-Reduces the risk of goiter
Major Symptoms and Health Outcomes of not Consuming Micronutrients
In children, micronutrients deficiency has been associated with retarded growth, anaemia, digestion problems and skin disorders CITATION Jua13 \l 1033 (Rivera, 2013). Micronutrients deficiency can cause adverse effects on pregnant women such as night blindness and increasing their rate of maternal mortality.
Consequences of Exceeding the Recommended Micronutrients Intake
One effect of excessive intake of micronutrients is that it can lead to