Why Micronutrients and Macronutrients Matter: Evidence From Research Studies 

Macronutrients and micronutrients are the two categorizations of nutrients required by the body for proper growth and function.  As their names suggest, macronutrients are required in larger amounts while as micronutrients are required in smaller amounts. However, both are incredibly important and must be provided by diet and/or supplementation.  Be careful not to dismiss the importance of adding micronutrients to your daily intake of macronutrients, because deficiency of any of them could lead to severe disease.

A seemingly widespread growing interest in micronutrients stems from the increase in knowledge and understanding of the biochemical functions of these nutrients. Let’s take a deeper look at their importance.

Biochemical Functions

Let's take a short, technical look at the biochemical functions of micronutrients.

• Antioxidants – Many micronutrients have antioxidant abilities.  Oxidative metabolism leads to generation of free radicals, which causes further oxidative reactions resulting in damage to cell membranes and nucleic acids (DNA). Vitamins A and E have the ability to stop the reactive mechanisms of these free radicals.  The other way the body deals with the free radicals is through enzyme systems such as the superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. The former enzyme system is dependent on zinc/copper or manganese and the latter is dependent on selenium.
• Coenzymes in metabolism – Several complex biochemical reactions require active participation of vitamins or metabolites of vitamins. For example, folic acid is part of methyl group transfer and riboflavin and niacin are used in the electron transport chain. These reactions are very critical to intermediary metabolism and enable utilization of the major nutrients to provide energy, proteins and nucleic acids.
• Cofactors in metabolism – Modulating enzyme activity is also a task done by trace elements. For example, zinc is a cofactor for over 100 enzymes and selenium is required within the enzyme glutathione peroxidase.

As you can see, micronutrients are imperative to the body's functions.

What Happens When a Person is Deficient in Micronutrients Due to Insufficient Intake?

The most common nutritional deficiencies are for vitamin D, iron, folate, and vitamin B12. As these are essential in biochemical pathways, their deficiency can mean a breakdown of these essential pathways.  Single nutrient deficiency states are somewhat easy to recognize, diagnose and confirm with suitable laboratory tests.  However, milder forms of multiple micronutrient deficiencies are difficult to recognize. This is despite the fact that they are common.  Supplementing with broad spectrum micronutrients is a simple way to combat micronutrient deficiency.

Impaired metabolism is a consequence of insufficient intake of supplemental and the effects can be detrimental: such as weight gain, heart disease, diabetes and more.

Chromium

Chromium deficiency has been linked to glucose intolerance. Chromium has a role in improving insulin action.  Insufficient amounts of chromium translate to decreased insulin activity and can be incredibly unhealthy for diabetic patients.

Folate

High levels of homocysteine are a risk factor for coronary heart disease.  Folate ensures that homocysteine is converted into a form that is not harmful.  Vitamins B12 and B6 are also required in the metabolism of homocysteine.  A study by Wald et al. has estimated that lowering homocysteine concentration would reduce the risk of ischemic heart disease by 16%, deep vein thrombosis (25%), and stroke (24%) (Wald et al., 2002).  This could be achieved by increasing folic acid intake.  Beware of cheap forms of folic acid.  Methylated folate (calcium L-5 methyltetrahydrofolate) is especially important for those with the MTHFR genetic mutation.

Zinc 

Zinc is important for the synthesis of proteins.  Wolman et al. (1979) determined a good zinc balance is associated with improved nitrogen retention, and a better nitrogen balance.  Substantial amounts of zinc are lost in the gastrointestinal tract and therefore proper supplementation is important.  Adequate zinc provision is necessary not only to stimulate protein synthesis, probably as a result of increasing the activity of the many zinc dependent enzymes in the protein synthetic pathway, but also to stimulate an adequate insulin response and utilization of glucose as well as amino acids, as well as to balance out copper.

Clinical trials have shown proper zinc supplementation reduces incidences of diarrhea and pneumonia in children (Black, 2003). 

Selenium

Due to factors such as decreased appetite, decreased absorption, loss due to diarrhea, trace elements concentrations are considerably reduced in HIV infection and AIDS. This affects the ability of the body to fight off the virus. For instance, low levels of selenium in children leads to faster progression of disease. 

A study in mice also showed that influenza virus causes more severe lung disease in selenium deficient mice (Beck et al, 2003). If the same is assumed in humans, then it is important to maintain optimal levels of the mineral selenium.

Calcium and Vitamin D

Calcium and vitamin D are important in the maintenance of healthy bone mass. This is particularly important in post-menopausal women who are a high risk group of osteoporosis. Vitamin K is also important to bone mass health.

Supplementation Studies

In the elderly, studies, such as that done by Ellison et al., have used folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 to improve cognitive function (Ellinson et al., 2004). A large study involving residential schoolchildren in India showed that 14 months' supplementation with a well-balanced vitamin and trace element supplement, led to significant improvement in attention‐concentration (Vazir et al., 2006).

More recently, a study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, demonstrated improvement in aggression and mood in children with ADHD using Daily Essential Nutrients, a clinical micronutrient formulation by Hardy Nutritionals^®.  

In conclusion, micronutrients play a key role in the maintenance of cell and body tissue function and metabolism irrespective of age. Therefore adequately balanced and bioavailable intake is necessary for all age groups. 

 References

1. Wald D S, Law M, Morris J K. Homocysteine and cardiovascular disease: evidence on causality from a meta‐analysis. BMJ20023251202
2. Wolman S L, Anderson G H, Marliss E B. et alZinc in total parenteral nutrition: requirements and metabolic effects. Gastroenterology 197976458–467.
3. Black R E. Zinc deficiency, infectious disease and mortality in the developing world. J Nutr20031331485–9S
4. Beck M A, Levander O A, Handy J. Selenium deficiency and viral infection. J Nutr 20031331463–7S
5. Ellinson M, Thomas J, Patterson A. A critical evaluation of the relationship between serum vitamin B, folate and total homocysteine with cognitive impairment in the elderly. J Hum Nutr Diet200417371–383.
6. Vazir S, Nagalla B, Thangiah V. et al Effect of micronutrient supplement on health and nutritional status of schoolchildren: mental function. Nutrition 200622S26–S32
7. Vitamin-mineral treatment improves aggression and emotional regulation in children with ADHD: a fully blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2017 Oct 2. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.12817. [Epub ahead of print] Rucklidge JJ, Eggleston MJF, Johnstone JM, Darling K, Frampton CM.

About Hardy Nutritionals®

Hardy Nutritionals® multivitamin-mineral products are powered by our proprietary NutraTek™ mineral delivery technology, which combines each mineral with specialized organic molecules—just like nature—to optimize absorption and distribution to body cells. Our flagship supplement, Daily Essential Nutrients, is widely considered to be the most research-backed micronutrient treatment.