Micronutrients can be broken down into two large sub-groups namely: vitamins and minerals. Vitamins are organic components, which means that vitamins are created by living organisms. Vitamins are further divided into fat-soluble (vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and Vitamin K) and water-soluble (B-vitamins and vitamin C) vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed along with fats and are stored in our bodies whereas water-soluble vitamins are absorbed along with water and are not stored in the body.
Minerals are inorganic components, which means that they are found in things like soil and water and are then absorbed by plants (a living organism) and may be eaten by animals (other living organisms). Minerals can be divided into two groups based on how much you require each mineral. The minerals you require larger amounts of are called macro-minerals and those you require smaller amounts of are called trace minerals.
The digestion, absorption and metabolism of vitamins and minerals can be influenced by a variety of factors. One of these factors includes genetics. Changes in these processes may influence the quantity of a vitamin or mineral that is circulating in the body or the quantity available to perform its function. As each of us are unique individuals, all of us has different vitamin and mineral requirements. Knowing the specific nutrients that our body requires more (based upon our genetic make-up) will definitely maximize our efforts in attaining a healthy body. To find out if you have a higher vitamin or mineral requirement based on your DNA, make the better choice and choose EatwellgxTM+.
